VILLAGERS are taking action to save an historic Victorian building after a shift in the county's education policy signalled its shutdown as a school.

Redgrove in Stoke Prior will be moved to another site in Redditch within the next two years after Worcestershire County Council adopted new principles for special education. Experts from English Heritage have already been called in to help local people save the building, which was built by Salt King John Corbett in the mid 19th century.

The school has places for 30 children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Under new Government guidelines, adopted by the council's Cabinet last week, children with moderate special needs will shortly be integrated into mainstream schools.

Head of education services, Ruth Chiva, said Redgrove would be moved by 2004, probably to the site of Icknield First School in Redditch, where it would be the single special school for the north of the county.

"The building it's in is not really suited to the needs of the 21st century," she said. "I am not sure what will happen to it when the school moves."

The redbrick landmark is one of the best-known sites in the village, standing in Shaw Lane near the Boat and Railway pub. It was built in 1850 by John Corbett for the children of his workers, around the same time as he built the Chateau Impney.

Local people are worried it will fall into neglect or become a target for vandals.

County councillor June Longmuir (Con), who represents Bromsgrove South and is a Redgrove governor, said it was important the building retained its character and viability.

"It's owned by the county council, so it could be sold. I want to make sure it is kept in good repair," she said.

Stoke Prior Parish Council is also worried that it could be allowed to stand empty and has called on the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport to help.