An MP has called a second public meeting to discuss how to stop a proposed school merger.

MP for Witham Priti Patel is campaigning against the Academies Enterprise Trust merging New Rickstones Academy and Maltings Academy, claiming the plans are being forced on parents and children. 

She said: “For the last few weeks the merger proposals have hung like a dark cloud over our town.

“Parents and potential parents have written to me in their dozens to express their anger and disappointment with the plans.

“All parents and potential parents are welcome to come and meet me on Saturday as we discuss and decide the further action needed to take our campaign against the merger forward.

“The consultation meetings held by AET earlier this month failed to convince the public so it is time that AET reconsidered their plans and the way they have handled this issue.”

The meeting will be held at Witham Town Football Club, Saturday 25 October at 10am.