Two primary schools in Hitchin could be merged onto a single site under proposals being considered by Hertfordshire County Council.

Mary Exton Primary School and Purwell Primary School could be brought together as the council looks to address falling pupil numbers and financial pressures.

The proposals are expected to be considered by the council's Education Panel and Cabinet next month.

If councillors agree to take the plans forward, an informal consultation with parents and the wider community will take place before Christmas.

Meetings with parents and staff at both schools are taking place this week.

However, the proposals have already prompted concerns about the future of primary education in Hitchin, particularly in light of planned housing developments in the town.

Ian Albert, Labour county councillor for Hitchin North, described the announcement as "sad news" and questioned whether the proposed merger was premature.

"This is sad news. Both schools have great traditions and been a huge part of the community in this part of Hitchin," he said.

"I recognise that both schools have had falling intake of children and there are financial pressures. However, I am concerned that this may be a premature decision.

"Overall, the number of children of school age in Hitchin is forecast to slowly rise in coming years. And this is before we even know about how many families will move to Highover Farm development before any new school is built there."

The proposed Highover Farm development has raised questions about future demand for school places in Hitchin, with uncertainty remaining over plans for a new primary school to serve the development.

Cllr Albert said he would be seeking further assurances from the county council about the financial implications of any merger and the future of nursery provision.

"However, this is just the beginning of a long process. I want to hear the views of parents and staff, and the Governing Body.

"I will be seeking assurances from the County Council about the clearance of financial deficits and want to ensure that Nursery provision still continues.

"The County Council also need to be clear whether it is still their intention to build a new school on Highover Farm, and when this decision will be taken."

Meanwhile, Cllr Beth Kelly, Labour spokesperson for Education, SEND and Inclusion, suggested the merger could provide a more financially sustainable future for the two schools.

"It is always difficult to strike the right balance between financial pressures and maintaining high-quality education provision for our children," she said.

"However, this proposal could offer a more sustainable future for these two schools. Bringing the schools together would reduce administrative costs, allowing more resources to be directed towards teachers, teaching support and classroom learning."

Cllr Kelly also welcomed the opportunity for parents and the wider community to have their say before any final decision is made.

"The Education Committee has long been concerned that proposals for changes to schools are often made public too late in the process.

"Hopefully, the early publication of this proposal, together with the planned meetings, will give parents, staff and the wider community sufficient time to consider the schools' futures and put forward alternative proposals if they wish."

No final decision has yet been made on the future of either school, with the proposals still at an early stage.

Parents, staff and local residents are expected to have an opportunity to express their views if the council agrees to proceed with consultation later this year.