FALLING birth rates have sparked a review of surplus places at schools.

Gloucestershire County Council is preparing to outline its view of the problem as part of a public consultation in the New Year.

However, it says it is not planning to close schools.

Redmarley councillor Will Windsor Clive said the council's long list of schools where there are spare places includes Bromesberrow St Mary's, Pauntley CE and Redmarley CE.

Coun Windsor Clive noted the authority's comments on closure but added: "We could be talking about mergers, which are similar to closures, but it is early days. I have always supported small rural schools. I am a governor of Bromesberrow St Mary's and my son goes to Redmarley."

Coun Charmian Sheppard, the council's education spokesman, said: "With falling birth rates and the subsequent surplus school places, the county council has to look at planning ahead to reduce these places over the next five years.

"This is because empty school places result in a waste of valuable resources, not only of money but also in terms of teaching time and accommodation.

"We've identified schools where we envisage there being a significant surplus and we're at the early stages of planning the best way forward.

"This is a major challenge and over the coming months we'll be identifying options for these schools, in particular primary schools, where the situation is more critical. Closures are unlikely."

The Conservative's prospective parliamentary candidate for the Forest of Dean, Mark Harper, described the move as a cause for concern.

"Until this is resolved I fear that a number of schools will feel that a cloud is hanging over them," he said. "This in turn can lead to problems with staff recruitment and morale and hit educational standards."