By Joanne Ginley Changes could see the mergers of secondary schools in at least two towns, a new academy opening, a series of closures and one consolidated sixth-form being created to serve the north of the district.The plans will affect secondary school provision in Cleckheaton, Gomersal, Heckmondwike, Liversedge, Birstall, Birkenshaw, Batley, Dewsbury, Mirfield and Raventhorpe.The changes would also see the Cleckheaton area move from having a three-tier system with first, middle and high schools to a two-tier approach with primaries and secondaries.A new academy is being proposed in Dewsbury to replace both Westborough High School and Birkdale.

Craig Meehan's lawyer David Orbaum told Dewsbury Magistrates' Court the case against him on charges of possessing indecent images of children was "truly unusual and extremely bizarre".In his closing speech after a five-day trial, the defence solicitor said there was no proof Meehan had viewed the images found on his computer and mobile phone.Mr Orbaum told District Judge Jonathan Bennett: "The case as a whole simply is not proved and the defendant should be acquitted."Meehan, 22, is charged with possessing 136 images on a computer, although a number of these images could not be dated and a number may be duplicates, the court heard today.He is also charged with possessing a further image of a topless 15-year-old girl on his mobile phone.

By Joanne Ginley Craig Meehan, 22, told Dewsbury magistrates he would not have wanted to put his relationship with his then partner Karen Matthews at riskHe is accused of possessing more than 130 indecent images of children on a computer and a further image on his mobile phone.Meehan's computer was seized by police during the search for Shannon, who went missing earlier this year.It was taken from the home he then shared with the nine-year-old and her mother, Karen Matthews, in Moorside Road, Dewsbury Moor.He denies 12 charges of possessing indecent images of children.Yesterday prosecutor David Holderness, cross examining Meehan, asked if anything relating to children had ever appeared on the computer.

By John Roberts Education Correspondent The plans will affect secondary school provision in Cleckheaton, Gomersal, Heckmondwike, Liversedge, Birstall, Birkenshaw, Batley, Dewsbury, Mirfield and Raventhorpe.The changes, which will be presented to Kirklees Council next week, would also see the Cleckheaton area move from having a three-tier system with first, middle and high schools to a two-tier approach with primaries and secondaries.Coun Jim Dodds, Kirklees Council's Cabinet member for schools, said the proposals included remodelling six-schools and creating eight new education centres, with work starting from 2011.A new academy is being proposed in Dewsbury to replace both Westborough High School and Birkdale.

THE identity of who faked a signature on an widow's self- discharge note from a Yorkshire hospital may never be known, an inquest heard yesterday.