PLANS for a £100m shake-up of secondary education in Colchester are set to be debated in Parliament.

Town MP Bob Russell has called the debate on Tuesday to examine the issues raised by Essex County Council’s proposals.

The authority favours closing Thomas, Lord Audley and Alderman Blaxill schools and turning Sir Charles Lucas into an academy.

Schools minister Jim Knight is expected to attend the debate, which is due to take place in Westminster Hall.

Mr Russell (Lib Dem) said: “I hope to focus attention on what the dastardly Tories in Chelmsford are up to.”

North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin (Con) said: “I congratulate Bob on bringing the issue to wider attention.

“I will certainly attend, but he has called the debate and I can only speak with his permission on the day.”

Mr Jenkin has proposed building “an academy with a military emphasis” on the TLA site.

This afternoon, Mr Jenkin is meeting with parents at Mersea Island School to discuss the situation.

l For more information about the consultation visit: www. essex.gov.uk/colch ester schools