PART of the multi-million pound makeover of Liverpool’s secondary schools could grind to halt after parents launched a legal challenge.

It was confirmed yesterday a firm of solicitors has lodged papers with the High Court on behalf of parents, seeking a judicial review of Liverpool council’s decision to consign Croxteth Comprehensive to history.

If the bid by solicitor Irwin Mitchell is successful, the High Court could overturn the controversial closure plan.

The court has also been asked to make an order to immediately halt any work on the Croxteth scheme, part of the £485m transformation of the city’s high schools under the Government’s Building Schools For the Future programme.

The council decided dwindling numbers meant the Croxteth and Norris Green areas could not justify retaining three high schools, with funding unlikely for schools with empty desks.

Despite a series of community protests, officials concluded Croxteth comprehensive should close next year, citing the fact one-third of desks are empty and its results are not up to scratch.

St John Bosco school will be refurbished and De La Salle Catholic college will be turned into a £20m Catholic boys’ academy.

But now lawyers from Irwin Mitchell will argue the decision should be overturned because the council “failed to follow government guidance on school closure proposals, rejected serious alternatives and has discriminated against non-Catholics”.

The review would be among the first to be heard at the new regional administrative court, which allows cases previously heard in London to be dealt with in either Liverpool or Manchester.

A judge is expected to decide whether to proceed within the next few months.

Head teacher Richard Baker said: “I have always believed we were not given a level playing field in terms of these proposals.”

Andrew Lockley, head of Irwin Mitchell’s public law department, said: “The unity of pupils, parents and school in opposing the closure proposals is impressive. They deserve a hearing.”

The council stressed its “robust and extensive” consultation was backed by the local government ombudsman.

A spokesman said the council was aware legal proceedings had been launched, adding: “Our decision came down to academic performance and surplus places. It did not have the capacity to improve.”