THE sudden closure of Blackburn's Fernhurst School must have come as a shock to parents of the children with emotional and behavioural problems who are its pupils.

But what are we to make of the strong comments of two teaching unions which paint a picture of an educational institution with serious problems?

Staff absenteeism of almost 30%, teachers and other school workers being threatened and assaulted by pupils and regular calls to police from police are not what anyone would expect at any school.

But Blackburn with Darwen Council refutes the claims and says: "The school is well resourced and has reserves."

The council also says the sudden closure was decided upon because of health and safety concerns over a stairwell and staircase and not any of the above worries.

But they have refused to give further details of the problem or explain how it has suddenly arisen and become such a crucial issue.

Opposition members are to raise the matter and Lib Dem Councillor Kevin Connor says: "There are a lot of questions to be answered."

Pupils at Fernhurst School have problems which put special demands on those looking after them. We need to know why the relationship between staff and the council seems to be so strained.