A SHORTAGE of youngsters has forced Worcestershire Education chiefs to scrap plans for a £600,000 school in Crabbs Cross.

Now land next to Harry Taylor First School -- bought for £210,000 in 1979 -- will be sold off if proposals to drop the scheme go through.

The new school was first mooted in 1973 and space for 400 youngsters at middle school level was planned.

But a county council report says the number of children coming up through the education system can be accommodated at other schools in the area.

The finance sub-committee of Hereford and Worcester County Education Authority recommended scrapping the scheme.