CHURCH of England school headteachers and governors will meet every month to discuss the ongoing Herefordshire schools review.

Herefordshire Council last week withdrew draft proposals that would have seen almost 40 schools closed or merged following an outraged reaction from the public and school communities.

It has promised more consultation with concerned parties before a second set of draft proposals is released in September.

Ian Terry, education director for the Hereford Diocese, called more than 60 heads and governors of together for a meeting at Hereford Cathedral, despite the withdrawal of the initial proposals.

"We decided to go ahead, and those who were at the meeting confirmed this was an opportunity to prepare a response to the council's new proposals in September," he said. "We really welcome this much needed time for some serious consultation and discussion to take place."

The group will next meet at the Cathedral at 4.30pm on Tuesday, February 26, with subsequent meetings on April 8, May 13, June 17 and July 8.