CONSERVATIVE councillors have made a last impassioned plea for Wirral's ruling Labour cabinet to save the Lyndale School from closure.

Public consultation on the future of the Eastham-based special school closed at the end of June after Wirral Council announced it was "minded" to close it, citing a drop in pupil numbers and a change in Government funding.

Its findings will be discussed by cabinet during a special meeting on September 4.

More than 10,590 people signed a petition to keep the school open, with 89% of Globe readers also believing it should be saved.

A 'Notice of Motion' by Wallasey Conservative Cllr Paul Hayes, supported by nine other councillors, including Tory leader Jeff Green, was presented during a meeting of full council on Monday night.

It called on cabinet to "end the anguish and uncertainty suffered by pupils and their parents and carers" by confirming that Lyndale will stay open.

The motion was lost, after Labour councillors voted by 35 to 26 against it.

Addressing council before the vote, Cllr Hayes said: "Having attended the consultation meeting at the Lyndale School, I am more convinced than ever that this very special, small school must be kept open.

"The alternatives to Lyndale just aren't there - it educates and cares for those children with the most profound learning difficulties, often suffering from serious ongoing health issues.

"It is a school that is an asset to Wirral, not an asset to be disposed of.

"The case for closure is not supported by any rationale. The consultation process has been farcical.

"This notice of motion is not simply an emotional response. The arguments put forward for closure are devoid of reason.

"During consultation we have seen a departure from the previous protocol.

"It was not led by an elected member, but by a council officer."

Addressing councillors before the vote was cast, council leader Phil Davies said: "I believe it's premature to make a decision now, in advance of the special meeting in September.

"I really do worry that if we were to agree this motion tonight it would predetermine the outcome of the report. We have to consider all the evidence of the consultation.

"It's absolutely essential that we keep an open mind."