A SCHOOL will remain closed into 2004 after the building was found to have major structural defects.

Walsden CE Infant School, in St Peter's Gate, Todmorden, was surveyed by structural engineers after concerns were raised about the safety of the 130-year-old building.

A report was submitted to the council this week, which revealed serious defects in the school's foundations.

As a result, Calderdale Council, in consultation with staff and governors, decided to move pupils into alternative temporary accommodation from the beginning of the new school term.

The council will construct a temporary school building adjacent to Walsden Junior School, but this will take up to eight weeks from the beginning of January.

The school's 60 pupils will have an extra week off school after Christmas, but will then be housed temporarily at Ferney Lee Primary School, in Ferney Lee Road, Todmorden.

Arrangements are being made to provide transport for children to make the two mile journey to Ferney Lee, which will start back on Monday, January 12.

Parents have been informed about the closure and the emergency plans that have been put in place. A spokesman for the council said decisive action was necessary to protect the safety of the pupils.

He said: "Structural engineers have found serious defects in the structure of the infant school and it would be irresponsible of the council to allow children to continue being taught in the building.

"The council has been forced to take this action in order to ensure pupils' safety.

"We realise that this arrangement will be inconvenient for pupils, parents and teachers, but realistically, it is the only practical solution to this urgent problem."

The authority will now have to decide how more permanent accommodation will be provided for the pupils.