But, as part of the plans a new high school could be built to replace them.

Warrington Borough Council has drawn up a draft of ideas after it was given more than £18m by the government to spend on education. The council says it will have to close one high school in the central and eastern part of the borough because of falling pupil numbers.

But the option to close either or both Woolston and Padgate High Schools has already proven controversial with one Warrington MP, who has spoken out against the idea.

Birchwood High School and Beaumont High School are also involved in the review. There is also a major review of sixth form provision across the borough.

The key options under consideration for Warrington central and east are:
*The removal of Wooston and Padgate High Schools' sixth form by 2008
* The closure of Woolston or Padgate High
* A merger of Woolston and Padgate Community High Schools on the Padgate site, with or without a sixth form
* The building of a new school to replace both Woolston and Padgate schools on Hillock Lane playing fields in Woolston with or without a sixth form
* The replacement of William Beaumont High School with a new building on the same site, in conjunction with the council's Orford Park development
* The replacement of Culcheth High School with a new building on the same site
* Do nothing Vote for your preferred option in our online poll by clicking here.

The proposals will also have a major effect for parents of primary school pupils who may find their schools linked up to different high schools.

Warrington North MP Helen Jones said: "My view is that there is no need to close schools in the north of Warrington because of the amount of new build due to take place.

"It is shortsighted not to take this into account. If this proposal goes ahead we will see a situation where parents are not able to get their children into local schools.

"We are seeing a switch in resources from the north of the town to the south and I find it incomprehensible that we are making a review of post 16 education and recommending an increase in 6th form places in Lymm and Great Sankey.

"This document fails to include a means of increasing provision in the more deprived areas which ought to be the priority."

The council has launched a consultation project to find out residents' views on the proposals.

Tim Warren, the council's interim operational director of education, said: "Not all of the options will become proposals. It is important that the advantages and disadvantages of each option are weighed up against the background of community opinion and in the context of a suitable strategic plan for each area.

"In very simple terms, more pupils mean more money, more staff and greater flexibility to appoint staff to a wide range of curriculum and subject specialisms."

The wide ranging review will also look at education provision in other parts of the town which could affect Bridgewater High School, Lymm High School and St Gregory's High School.