A PLEA has been made to conservation chiefs not to oppose the demolition of around 50 homes as part of plans for a new community school.

More than 400 people in the Whitefield area of Nelson have signed a petition imploring English Heritage to look favourably on bulldozing five terrace blocks near the site of the district’s planned new primary school.

The site of homes in Appleby Street, Portland Street, MacLeod Street and part of Every Street are needed, along with land behind the former water board offices, to accommodate the building project.

Members of Whitefield Community Forum fear that if English Heritage protest about the scheme, which would see Whitefield Infants and Lomeshaye Juniors merge, would see funding for the initiative move elsewhere.

Lesley Chisnell-Helm, forum chairman, said: “English Heritage’s remit is obviously conservation but we do not want it be conservation at all costs.

“They are concerned about 50 derelict houses and in an ideal world these houses could be rebuilt elsewhere.

“But we need a school desperately - by 2011 we will not have enough places for young people of primary school age in Whitefield.

“We really need a primary school and a community hub and if necessary we will take to the streets to show our strength of feeling.”

Part of the problem has been the emergence of a major main under the water board site, requiring the land occupied by the five surrounding blocks to be incorporated into revised plans for the school.

Borough councillors in Nelson have backed the residents appeal following talks between Lancashire County Council and the heritage body.

Coun Asjad Mahmood said: “I am extremely disappointed and angry that yet again English Heritage officials are putting the future of Whitefield residents and their children at risk by putting up hurdles at every opportunity.

“The school site, which was approved a number of months ago, is an integral part of kick-starting the regeneration of one of the most deprived areas in England.

“But despite officers from both Pendle and Lancashire councils making tremendous efforts to work with English Heritage, the effort seems to be a one-way process.

County councillor Mohammed Iqbal added: “I intend to pursue this matter through other avenues to resolve this impasse caused by English Heritage.

“We will never forgive English Heritage if this multi-million pound investment in education is lost due to their stubborn attitude.”