A REGIONAL representative of the teachers' union NASUWT has welcomed the deferral of a decision over the future of three Middlesbrough schools.

Hans Ruyssenaars, the national executive member for Cleveland, spoke after the Schools' Organisation Committee postponed until January its decision over whether to close St Anthony's, Langbaurgh and Keldholme Schools.

He said: "I welcome the acknowledgement that the consultation process has been flawed, as claimed by Nasuwt all along.

"It is sad that the people connected with the schools now face another three months of uncertainty.

"However, it is better to arrive at a well-considered decision next January than an ill-considered one now.