TWO MPs have brought the controversial shake-up of Colchester’s schools to the attention of a Government minister.

Liberal Democrat Bob Russell and Conservative Bernard Jenkin are both anxious to see a decision on the reorganisation proposed by Essex County Council.

Mr Russell addressed schools minister Jim Knight on opposition to plans to shut Alderman Blaxill and Thomas, Lord Audley schools as part of a £100 million reorganisation.

In a Commons debate in Westminster Hall, he voiced support for an alternative option four, put forward by headteacher Jonathan Tippett, to merge the schools with Stanway School, but continue to operate from their present sites. Mr Tippett is currently head of all three schools.

Mr Jenkin also spoke, and put forward his wish to see a military academy, which Mr Knight said he would not be opposed to.

Mr Russell told MPs: “To shut two secondary schools and remove 1,700 places from the system is sheer folly, shows a total disregard for forward planning and, in the meantime, robs two communities of their local secondary school.

“It will not be too many years before someone has to pick up the pieces of such ill-conceived proposals, should the closures go ahead."