Statement from Cllrs Gerald Dawe and Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes, Herefordshire Alliance for Accountability and Democracy.

The withdrawal of the ill thought out plans to butcher our schools is better than nothing, but more proposals will be forthcoming.

Unless the problems of process are resolved, the same chaos will happen again. The council should have consulted with affected schools before rather than after releasing the proposals, as other authorities are doing.

This is more logical and complies with usual practice elsewhere. Yet again our council is found to not be following proper processes.

"If cabinet members cannot or are unwilling to take responsibility for political leadership, they should not be in post. Let's have no more 'I had no idea about this' from people who are supposed to be in charge" said alliance leader, Cllr Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes.

"For either the director or the cabinet member to continue in post will further bring local politics into dispute and add to the cynicism and distrust of local people.

"An unconditional apology and these two resignations are needed in order to begin repairing relationships with those who have experienced huge and completely unnecessary stress over the past few days."

Green cllr Gerald Dawe said: "The tragedy for education in the county now, is that trust in officers or councillors has been lost, and schools will not be prepared to co-operate in any consultation to address changes that may be needed to ensure future funding for our children's education.

"Only through the resignation of the director and cabinet member of children's services, will trust begin to be rebuilt. Only then can a process of proper and full consultation can begin."