Coun Steve Allison says there is no need to close schools and would instead like to see a series of smaller schools serving communities in town.

Coun Allison, of the St Hilda Ward, said: "My initial reaction was just how ironic these two documents are because they seem to be denouncing everything the national party stands for.

"I was part of the major campaign to save the hospital four years ago and the Labour party said it would never close. I believe the decision to move to the Wynyard site has already been taken because that site was on the cards years ago.

"I would also like to see a number of smaller schools scattered around town serving their local communities, like Elwick and Hart do.

"The Labour party are in complete disarray and they are rudderless.

"These documents have only been produced in the build up the mayoral elections next year and they are a desperate attempt to gain some popularity."