TALKS are to be held over the future of a landmark Victorian school building after the failure to protect it.

Redgrove School in Stoke Prior is due to be vacated when the children are moved to the empty Matchborough site in Redditch.

Members of Stoke Prior Parish Council called in experts to get listed building status for the school, which was built by "Salt King" John Corbett in 1850.

The bid had the backing of Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride, who raised it with the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport but they decided not to list the building.

Parish council clerk Patrick Calloway said the experts felt it had been altered too much inside.

Over the years, the building has been changed from a village school for Corbett's workers, built around the same time as the Chateau Impney, to its modern use housing around 30 children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

"The experts had a look at the building but decided it wasn't worth it," he said. "Although it's in a conservation area, we would like to know what is going to happen to it."

The school is in a prominent position opposite the Boat and Railway pub and villagers fear it could fall into disrepair or become a target for vandals when the children complete their move by summer 2004.

Worcestershire County Council owns the building and Bromsgrove South councillor June Longmuir, who is also a Redgrove governor, is keen for it to be kept in good repair.

A spokesman for the council said planning officers would be consulting with Bromsgrove District Council to see how the building fits in with any future Local Plan.

A Bromsgrove council spokesman said they were preparing to take part in any discussions.