PLANS to create two new academy schools could be delayed after being called in for further investigation by councillors.

Wirral Council’s ruling Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition approved proposals to consult parents on the idea of creating a mixed-sex academy and an all-boys academy for pupils currently at Prenton’s Park High, Rock Ferry High and Ridgeway High, in Noctorum.

But last week, Cllr Stuart Kelly, a senior Lib-Dem and member of the council’s cabinet, criticised the plans.

He described them as “deeply flawed” and singled out Ridgeway High, which has managed improved GCSE results.

He said: “What message does it send if we close a successful school?

“We should reward success, not punish it by closure and replacement with a vocational boys-only establishment.”

Wirral’s Conservative opposition have now called in the plans to the council’s education committee, although no date for a meeting has yet been set. It is expected Cllr Kelly will be called to give evidence to the committee.

Tory group leader Cllr Jeff Green said that, although he supported the principle of academies, he also had concerns about the threat to Ridgeway High.