A politician claims an academy trust that runs Witham's secondary schools should be replaced if it cannot find an alternative plan to merging them.

The Academies Enterprise Trust is proposing to merge New Rickstones and Maltings academies to secure their long-term future, enhance education and attract the best teachers.

But MP Priti Patel said: "It’s time AET dropped their merger plans and came up with more credible ways to improve standards in Witham because if they are incapable of doing so then it may be time to bring in those who can."

An AET spokesman said there has been a rapid reduction in local birth rates, a significant shortfall in secondary student numbers and a drop in national funding for secondary schools.

He said: "This will affect standards. It is not scaremongering, but sharing a serious issue with the local community and seeking their responses."

* Full story in this week's Witham Times.