Herefordshire's National Union of Teachers (NUT) has today spoken out against the council's proposed plan to merge and close 37 schools across the county.

The largest teaching union in Herefordshire claims the changes will impoverish local communities and lead to children having to travel unreasonable distances to get to school.

Local Secretary Elspeth Sims said: "Not only are our members' jobs under threat but these proposals could do real damage to many rural communities.

"Small schools can do an excellent job for their children and we should be looking at more creative solutions to these problems.

"The NUT is determined to protect the jobs of its members and will take all action needed to achieve this."