COUNCIL chiefs have agreed to press ahead with consultation on merger plans for two Medway schools.

The plan, first revealed by the Medway Messenger, is to merge the successful Chapter girls' school with the neighbouring Temple boys' school. The schools are both in Strood, near Rochester.

If approved Medway's first Academy is expected to open in 2009, with space for up to 1,400 pupils.

Cllr Les Wicks, the portfolio holder, told Medway's Cabinet the changes had been brought about by Temple's falling popularity and poor standards.

"We have to look very hard and take action where a school is letting down pupils," he said.