IN the face of massive opposition from parents, the proposal to build a new special school on the site of the former Rainhill Hospital, right next to the regional secure unit has been scrapped.

The move, by the Council's Director of Education and Leisure, Susan Richardson, follows meetings with parents who voiced their concerns over the issue and who have now welcomed this week's news.

As part of a consultation exercise on the proposal, an independent risk assessment exercise was carried out. Its full results have now been received. They conclude that siting the school next to the Scott Clinic would not pose a level of risk which is 'outside the Council's health and safety responsibilities and duty of care'.

But Susan Richardson considered it would be unlikely that the Council would win the confidence or support from parents should the proposal be pursued.

The Council now continues to explore other sites. Parents will be kept fully informed over any new proposals as well as any other developments.

Susan Richardson said: "I have taken the views of the parents in this matter into consideration and I now hope we can move forward quickly to identify a site and facilities which would provide a centre of excellence for our special needs children".

Any proposal is still subject to the Council receiving funding support from the Government.

Rainhill councillor Mike Doyle commented: "I'm delighted with the decision. It's been causing a real distraction from the important issue of special needs provision in the borough. Parents, governors, staff and the council can now work together in a positive way."

Kath Sharples, a parent representative, said: "We have campaigned for months to have the school sited elsewhere.

"The decision not to place the special school next to the Scott Clinic is excellent news and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents for their support in opposing the proposed site."