WIRRAL'S cabinet member for education has said he would consider other options over unpopular proposals to shut a secondary school.

But Cllr Phil Davies said previous closures of primary schools would lead inevitably into secondary schools and people had to be “realistic and grown up” in considering the options.

The meeting ended in chaotic scenes, as Labour and Lib-Dems claimed the vote on their motion had been wrongly counted.

Both called on the cabinet to look again at the proposals and to shut three schools in Birkenhead and create two academies.

Cllr Davies said he would be seeking to have the education scrutiny committee meet again urgently to clear it up.

Wirral Council’s main meeting chamber was packed after a double-decker bus brought parents and students from a Ridgeway High School in Birkenhead to campaign at the council meeting at Wallasey Town Hall last night.

Wirral Council's education scrutiny committee was meeting to discuss the authority's plans to shake up secondary education in Birkenhead.

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.

They would replace the existing Park High, Rock Ferry High and Ridgeway High, in Birkenhead.