A NEW school for Nelson could be one of the catalysts for regenerating the Whitefield area of the town, councillors hope.

Anticipated rises in the number of primary school age pupils in the town has led to an urgent review of local education provisions.

The favoured option, especially among local councillors, would be for a new primary school, ideally in Whitefield, which is currently the subject of major regeneration works.

Council leader Alan Davies said investment was needed in Nelson's schools, especially when the state of the ageiing Lomeshaye Juniors and Bradley Primary, both "past their sell-by-date".

If a new school is to be built, formal consultation would begin in April 2008.