AN Accrington school undergoing a £4million-plus transformation to unite the former split-site school is set for further alterations with the provision of a new playground.

Moorhead High, previously on two separate sites, will open in September with just one improved and extended site.

Joan Hayselden, the then acting headteacher, blamed the wide-open, split-school site as a major contributing cause to violence at the school in January.

Six pupils were charged with affray after the disturbance which brought riot vans and dog handlers into the Queens Road West school.

Mrs Hayselden said the split-site caused a security problem as anyone could gain access to the grounds but that the new layout with added fencing would help keep out trespassers.

A new planning application has been submitted for a £100,000 playground facility at the Cromwell Building site. It will include a Tarmac area with seating, ball park and additional area for football.

Hyndburn Borough Council this week informed Lancashire County Council that it had no objections to the development which will create around 600 square metres of hard surfaced play area for pupils.

If the application is passed this month, work to create the play area should be completed by the end of the year.

This would also include the planting of trees, shrubbery and the installation of a security fence in excess of two metres.

Paul Seddon, planning officer for Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "These new works for a playground area are in connection with the overall improvements and extensions to the school and will enhance facilities for pupils.

"While the playground would be closer to houses on Cromwell Avenue, additional planting is proposed to act as screening along the boundary.

"On balance while there may be some increase in noise from the playground, the visual improvements and removal of vehicular traffic along Cromwell Avenue would, overall, improve the amenities of the surrounding residents."

The main development has included the creation of a new building close to the existing Cromwell Building to incorporate new science labs, art rooms, music rooms, technology workshops, and a large sports hall with changing rooms and showering facilities.

It will open for the new term in September and include a walkway with glassed roof linking the buildings. Refurbment of the Cromwell Building is expected to be finalised by Christmas.