PLANS to merge 40 schools across the county have been recalled in a major U-turn by Herefordshire Council.

Leader Roger Phillips announced an immediate recall on Monday, following a mass backlash from teachers, parents and councillors.

Schools involved include Eastnor, Bosbury, Much Marcle, Cradley, Brockhampton, Pencombe, Breden-bury, Whitbourne and the Queen Elizabeth Humanities College in Bromyard. Detailed consultations will now occur before more draft proposals are unveiled in September.

Cllr Phillips said his Conservative group could not support the proposals and more time was needed to speak with schools and their communities.

"We also need external, independent and objective advice and verified evidence of the population projections, as well as a greater understanding of the effect of any mergers on rural communities and school journey times," he said.

Heads and parents in Ledbury and Bromyard schools were cautiously relieved at the news, with most pledging to build a solid case should the threat of closure return.

Lois Owen, of the Save Eastnor Primary action group, said: "Our group is by no means winding down, nor are the other groups we are in contact with.

"The events of the last 10 days mean that we have a framework in place to meet the challenges of these threats to our schools. We now have the ability to mount a campaign of action even more quickly should the need arise."

Cllr Phillips warned there were still tough decisions ahead: "If we do not satisfy the Government that we are taking action, it has the power to cut our funding in education.

"We have already said that the review is necessary and it presents to Herefordshire the biggest challenge to education standards for decades.

"It is therefore essential that we give a clear message to children, parents and schools that we want to listen fully to what they have to say and we want to take a measured, open and considered approach in order to secure the best education provision for the future."