CITY MP Mike Foster today urged cabinet members to delay changes to Worcester's special schools - as two councillors revealed they were planning to oppose the plans.

The controversial review, which includes the closure of three city schools and reopening of two, was due to be discussed at a meeting of Worcestershire County Council's cabinet this morning.

Mr Foster asked councillors to put off the decision to give them time to do the job "properly", with the agreement of local schools and governing bodies.

The Labour MP also accused the Conservative-run council of ignoring a 12-point plan agreed by campaigners, staff and governors at the schools.

"In the rushed county council plan, there are no detailed costings, no detailed plans, no attempt has been made to ensure that the real concerns expressed by parents and teachers have been addressed," he said.

"Back in April, the 12-point plan asked for an extension of any implementation date - and true to form, the council is ignoring this.

And Councillor Colin Beardwood told the Evening News that he and Coun Peter Pinfield would vote against the plans after fears the debate had become politically motivated and the 12-point plan had not been consulted enough.

Worcestershire's cabinet member for education, June Longmuir, said it was time to move the debate on.

"We've been talking about the whole business for nearly two years now and we really can't keep people hanging on any longer," she said.

"We have listened to people and there have been major changes in the plans.

"The aim is that there's good quality special educational needs provision in Worcestershire."