TWO Alcester schools look set to join together in a new £1.75 million project after county councillors gave the thumbs up to amalgamation plans.

The Chronicle reported in March that parents, school governors and staff from both Alcester Infants School and St Faith's Junior School had already welcomed the plans.

The plans were approved at the Warwickshire County Council cabinet meeting on Thursday, May 22.

The proposals mean joining the schools to create an all-through primary school catering for children aged from five to 11. The new school would be based at the St Faith's site, St Faith's Road, from September 1 next year.

If proposals go ahead, it will also mean closing both schools and a new temporary governing body will be formed to oversee the development and appoint staff.

Consultation meetings between parents, staff and governors and other interested parties have already been held and the scheme has received overwhelming support.

Only two parents voted against the proposals.

The new school will cater for 420 pupils and meet the current demand for places in the Alcester area.

A statutory notice about the proposals will now be published and a two-month consultation will get under way.

At the end of the two months, objections and comments received will be considered by the school organisation committee and they will make a final decision.

If no objections are made, it will be reported to the county council cabinet and the plans will go ahead.