A review of schools in the Forest of Dean will inevitably lead to proposals for change and possibly school closures.

That is the view of the county councillor for Newent, Will Windsor Clive, who said he had concerns about the whole process.

He spoke out following a review of Gloucester City secondary schools and news from Gloucestershire County Coun-cil that this will be extended to the Forest of Dean.

A similar shake-up for primary schools has already been announced by the council, and several small rural schools including Bromesberrow St Mary's, Pauntley CE and Redmarley have already been identified as being too small, in terms of having too much surplus space.

Coun Windsor Clive said: "The whole lot concerns me. My opinion is, if there's nothing to worry about, then why are we having a review?

"The LEA will not carry out a review without coming up with recommendations for change. I think this is officer-led."

Recommendations could include merging some small rural primaries.

But Coun Windsor Clive said that whatever the outcome of the review process, Newent Community School would be safe.

He said: "It's a good school with a large sixth form, and doesn't have a problem."

Council spokesman Paul Morris said: "It's always been said that at some stage, other schools would be looked at. At some stage, we will be looking at Forest schools."