OPENING a new state-funded secondary school in Herefordshire would put exisitng schools at the risk of closure, a councillor has claimed.

Councillor Chris Chappell has written to education secretary Michael Gove voicing concern that the Robert Owen Vocational School, which could open in the county in September 2013, would “decimate” local education and prove detrimental to other schools, sixth forms and colleges.

Coun Chappell claimed the free school, which has not yet secured Government funding but was given informal backing by the Department of Education in July, is “likely to result in the closure of at least two” secondary schools and the downgrading of others because Herefordshire’s schools and colleges are not at full capacity and a free school for up to 500 students aged 14 to 19 would damage the vocational training they already provide.

He also claimed the new school would put extra strain on council resources.

The Department of Education gave the Robert Owen Group, a teacher training organisation based in Leominster, approval to push ahead with their plans back in July.

But government will not approve funding until plans have been put out for public consulation.

The exact location of the school has not been revealed by the Leominster-based Robert Owen Group, but those behind it this week said formal consultation should start in the new year.

Abi Horsburgh, deputy corporate services co-ordinator for the Robert Owen Group, said the organisation could not comment on Cllr Chappell’s letter as it had not seen it, “nor has Councillor Chappell made contact with us to discuss the contents or the concerns he may have."