THE PROPOSED merger of two rival high schools in Crewe has moved a step closer, despite fears that the traditional rivalry between pupils could give rise to bullying.

Cheshire County Council has recommended the amalgamation of Coppenhall High and Victoria Community Technology Schools after the proposal received unanimous support at the latest council meeting.

The merger is expected to take place in September 2007, subject to the publication of statutory notices.

Eventually both schools would be united onto the Coppenhall site in a £20million 'super school' for 1,050 pupils.

The county council says both schools have 'challenging circumstances', with Victoria also having 'security issues'.

The council acknowledges that there is widespread resistance to the proposal, and recognises a concern over 'historic rivalry' between pupils.

But county councillors favour a new approach to secondary education in Crewe as part of the Transforming Learning Communities strategy.

Surplus school places are at the heart of the reform, with Coppenhall currently having only 665 pupils compared with its 821-pupil capacity.

Victoria has 599 pupils on its roll but has a capacity for 915 youngsters.

South Cheshire's falling birth-rate means the problem is expected to get worse over the next decade.

Cty Cllr David Rowlands said: "It's understandable that local people have concern at the re-structuring of schools serving their community but the county council has to ensure resources are used effectively to provide a broad curriculum choice.

"Schools are funded by the government on a per pupil basis and where a school is dramatically under populated, there is a dire effect which we are duty bound to tackle.

"Both Victoria and Coppenhall have significant surplus places - a situation which would only worsen in years to come and consequently render them unviable as separate schools.

"Amalgamation would create a single, strong school for the local community, bringing together the good work currently being delivered at both schools."