DECISIONS on school closures are taking too long, Education Minister Leighton Andrews said today.

He said delays could create uncertainty about the future of schools.

Councils around Wales have been grappling with the thorny problem of how to reorganise education services, often encountering stiff opposition.

Controversial closure proposals can be referred to ministers if there are objections to them.

Last November former First Minister Rhodri Morgan said he expected about 170 schools would have to close because of falling pupil numbers.

Mr Andrews said the issue was discussed at the first meeting of a policy board established within his department when he was appointed.

"I think our process for determining decisions on school closures takes too long,’’ Mr Andrews told the Assembly Government's weekly press briefing.

"There are good reasons why it takes time to assess proposals that have been objected to ... But, as I say, we need to look at the system and I do think it is too slow.’’ He added: "At the end of the day, this is a difficult process for communities, for teachers, for local authorities and governing bodies, and overall for pupils.

"The longer we take to make decisions means the more uncertainty there is around a school.

"People usually want the decision they want, but failing that they would want the decision to be taken more quickly than not.’’