SECRET talks have been held about the possible merger of two schools in Princes Risborough, with one facing possible closure.

Headteachers and governors from Berryfield County First School, Berryfield Road, and Icknield County Middle School, Wellington Avenue, met recently to discuss merger plans - which could mean the closure of the Berryfield site.

When asked about the merger talks, Icknield Middle's headteacher, Sally Whitlow, said: 'There have been meetings of governing bodies at Berryfield and of our governing bodies - and the possibility has been discussed.

But she added: 'There is nothing that has been decided and it could take two or more years.'

The two schools are less than a mile apart.

A Buckinghamshire County Council spokesman confirmed that talks had taken place but insisted no definite plans had been made.

She said: 'Governors have agreed that they would like to take an initial look at the possibility of a merger. These are very much the first stages and of just looking at it as a possibility rather than something that will definitely happen. They are considering it with Buckinghamshire County Council and there will be public consultation.'

But Risborough town councillor Gary Hall, 36, who was among the first wave of pupils to attend the school, reacted furiously to the possibility of closure.

He said: 'This is the politics of a madhouse. It was a lovely school and is still relatively modern by today's standards.

'I have heard the buildings have fallen into disrepair but this is purely the result of county neglect and cannot be held against the school.'

Rita Woodwards, a Berryfield school cleaner whose three children all attended the school, said: 'I don't want to see it go - it would be sad. I think the teachers were quite shocked when they heard.

'They said they hadn't heard anything - but usually they're the last to know.'

Buckinghamshire County Council said a merger could give 'particular educational benefits' and also point to falling pupil numbers in defence of the talks.