THE MP for Hereford has joined the schools' row by demanding an apology from the Leader of Herefordshire Council.

Paul Keetch said he had been inundated with enquiries following January's LEA review.

And while he is pleased with the plan's withdrawal, he believes an independent review is the way forward.

"I have written to the Leader of the Council, Roger Philips, asking him to apologise to the governors, teachers, parents and the children at those schools put under threat by his announcement," said the MP.

"It seems to me that what is now required is a comprehensive review of all the schools in Herefordshire, not just those identified by the council for closure or merger.

"I have so little confidence that Herefordshire Council would be able to conduct a review, so I have asked the Government to recommend an independent body that might be able to carry it out."