Plans to merge Lillington Nursery School with the neighbouring Lillington Primary School look likely to go ahead, despite parents and staff protesting that the move could lead to a fall in standards.

Warwickshire County Council's Warwick area committee voted on Tuesday to recommend the proposal to the authority's cabinet, despite warnings that the move might be the first of more closures.

The nursery school's chairman of governors Fran Hubbard said there was "very strong" opposition to merging the schools, which many felt was an opportunistic move brought about by the nursery school's current lack of a full-time headteacher.

John Howell is a member of the council's augmented teachers panel, in which unions liaise with the authority. He drew attention to the primary school's inspection record.

He said: "A school that's inadequate shouldn't be allowed to take over another school that's doing OK."

All those against the merger asked for the proposal to be delayed until more was known about future budget arrangements.

Head of education Mark Gore denied there would be any further closures and told councillors he wanted to create a better nursery school in one of the most deprived areas in the county. Officials have stressed there will be no job losses or change in premises.

Lillington Primary School supports the move. Its headteacher Davinder Jandu argued that waiting until financial details were known might leave it too late for the nursery school.

She believes a 'seamless' join between the nursery class and infant school would benefit children in need of stable schooling.

She said: "The whole premise of this is about children and the community."

Coun Tim Naylor (Lab, Leamington Willes) said without figures he felt the move was being made "almost for opportunistic reasons" and Labour councillors warned it could be the precursor to further closures.

But others felt there would be little difference, and recommended acting now before possible future budget problems.

Chairman Coun Sarah Boad (Lib Dem, Leamington Crown) is a former governor of both schools and said she understood "upset and concern" many felt but added: "The only thing that will be different is the name above the door."

Warwickshire County Council's cabinet will debate the proposal on May 22.