A fresh row erupted over Bradford's controversial education review as officers prepared to meet representatives of three schools tonight - outside the consultation period.

Councillors have strongly attacked the decision to hold the meetings when other schools have been told the consultation period ended on May 29.

They have described the whole process as a "shambles" and say the meeting is grossly unfair to other schools which have no chance for further talks.

Eccleshill Upper and Woodend Middle are among schools which could now face closure in the shake-up.

The Council could opt for a new secondary school on the Cote Farm site in Thackley, which has been demanded by residents to cope with new schools in the area. Parents, carers and governors from Eccleshill Upper, Thackley First School and Woodend Middle have now been invited to meetings at 7pm to discuss the suggestions for a new secondary school.

But Liberal Democrat education spokesman Councillor David Ward said: "No other group has been offered further consultation although a large number of alternatives have been put forward in other areas."

Coun Dale Smith, Conservative representative on education, said: "It is scandalous.

"The whole consultation has become a shambles and people are going to be angry and aggrieved about this."

Education committee chairman, Coun Jim Flood, said the meeting was not further consultation - but part of an evaluation.

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