THE headteacher of Radcliffe High School has voiced his concern over plans to bulldoze the town's two high schools and replace them with one new school.

Mr Graham Rollinson revealed that since news of the proposal was revealed, one prospective member of staff, who is supposed to be joining the Abden Street school in January, no longer wants to come.

He added: "Parents are genuinely concerned about the future education of their children and are asking me very detailed questions to which I do not know the answers."

Mr Rollinson, who said he was naturally concerned about his own future, was speaking at the latest meeting of Radcliffe Area Board.

"This matter has to be dealt with quickly, efficiently and in an open manner," he said. "I really would like to see everything out in the open as soon as possible."

Governors at both schools have already welcomed the plans which they described as "a sensible way forward for the foreseeable future".

And Coun Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, was equally upbeat at last week's meeting.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Radcliffe for state-of-the-art provision and I would hope parents will recognise the school will be significantly better than what is there at present," he said.

The new school could be built on either of the two Radcliffe sites, but a third location would be cheaper and not cause disruption while it was being built.

It would present students with a range of up-to-date educational opportunities that will enable those starting secondary education as early as September 2003 to embark upon examination courses that will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities.

But Mr Rollinson pointed out that pupils doing GCSE at this time could find themselves "lumped together" in different or new classes, which was an additional worry for parents.