It is the epitome of agricultural England, and normally the most placid of counties. But for the past few days Herefordshire has been in open revolt against its council after officials proposed a drastic cull of the county's schools, citing the falling birth rate.

The response has been so vociferous that last night Roger Phillips, leader of the Conservative-controlled council, was distancing himself from the proposals, and said he wanted to open discussions with Steve Grist, chairman of the Herefordshire Association of Governors, who has emerged as a leader of the rebellion.