EDUCATION chiefs could be hauled before the High Court in London after a distraught parent vowed to fight the imminent closure of a Wolverley special school.

Cindy Yardley - who led the campaign against the closure of Alexander Patterson School before councillors in March - is seeking a High Court judicial review over the closure.

Officers at Worcestershire County Council, who advocated the closure due to falling pupil numbers, have "not very long" to give a response to the threat of legal action, said Mrs Yardley's solicitor, Bryony Walker.

Mrs Walker, of Mortimers Solicitors, said: "This matter is urgent. We want them to withdraw the notice of closure without the need for court proceedings."

At the heart of a legal challenge is the prospect of Alexander Patterson pupils moving to another school in September and then again two years later, if a review of all special schools in Worcestershire recommends closures.

Mrs Walker said: "To close Alexander Patterson School now will mean these children are facing two changes of school. Many of these children have autistic spectrum difficulties, as well as other complex learning difficulties.

"These children need regularity, routine and stability, not constant upheaval. The effect of these moves on the children and their families will be, quite simply, devastating."

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: "We have received the letter and will be responding in due course."

Mrs Walker urged parents to oppose the closure, rubberstamped by the council's cabinet on March 15, by making sure the matter went to an independent committee.

Only one objection is required for the decision to be dealt with by the Schools Organisation Committee, which will discuss the closure on June 14. The committee can overrule the council's decision.

Objections can be made in writing to the SOC, by May 25, at: Director of Educational Services, FAO Alison Cartwright, Ref Alexander Patterson Special School, Education Directorate, PO Box 73, Worcester, WR5 2YA.