EXTRA places are being suggested for two schools in Nelson – as plans for a new educational establishment gather pace.

Rising school rolls in the town mean there will be a classroom shortfall in the next few years.

However, until blueprints for a prospective new school can be finalised, county council officials want Whitefield Infants and Lomeshaye Juniors to expand by an extra 30 places.

This would take effect in September 2009 at Whitefield and September 2012 at Lomeshaye, councillors have been told, with demand for places already said to be ‘high’ there.

Earlier this year a conference was held to which school representatives, the county education authority, Pendle council and Blackburn diocese were invited.

Delegates were informed that new school places were ‘urgently’ needed, with a long-term aim of providing a new primary school for Nelson.

Helen Denton, county director for children and young people, says in a report: “The growth in pupil numbers is being driven primarily by a rise in the birth rate so the demand for places will initially impact on the reception year group and then move on to the older age groups.”

Meanwhile two sites have emerged as favourites for a new 270-place primary school, which would also offer a 33-space nursery.

Mrs Denton adds: “The preferred site for the new building will be the site currently being assembled by Pendle Borough Council and known as the Enterprise Haven (at the former water board site in Every Street).

“Should it not be possible to assemble the necessary site in a reasonable time then it is proposed that the new replacement school building is erected on Carr Road.”

The Nelson proposals form part of the county council’s Primary Schools Programme submissions to Whitehall.

Consultations over the expansion of Whitefield and Lomeshaye schools are expected to take place from November to next February.