THE long-term future of a primary school which closes its doors to young pupils for the very last time at the end of term, is to be debated next week.

Bury Council's Cabinet members will discuss potential uses for the existing building and site at Brandlesholme primary which will officially cease to be a school from the end of August.

Falling pupil numbers led to a decision by the council to close Brandlesholme and carry out extensions and adaptations to the nearby Woodbank primary in order to re-locate pupils there.

Now though, the local authority has to consider the future uses of the school and its site.

In a report to go to Cabinet next Wednesday, (June 21) discussions will centre around selling off the entire site for residential development which would bring in a significant receipt to the council or looking at alternative uses for the school building. One option is that it could offer an opportunity for a wide range of uses and if retained has the potential to be an asset to the community.

A report to Cabinet points out that the building could be used by support services of the education service as well as community, private or voluntary pre-school use.

It might even be made available to other clubs and societies on a rental basis. This would all help to generate income to contribute to ongoing running costs.

Local authority lifelong learning chairman, Councillor Trevor Holt, said: "The decision to close Brandlesholme primary school was a heartbreaking one but, bearing in mind the particular circumstances, one which was logical and had to be taken for the long-term benefit of all the pupils in the area.

"I know the future of the school and the site has been raised and debated by the local area board and obviously there are strong feelings aroused by the matter.

He added: "Personally, I can see merits in community use of the building but that is only my initial reaction.

"However, what we do need to do is consider all the alternatives and then take decisive action."

Coun Holt stressed: "It would be terrible is this matter dragged on and the school building was left empty and allowed to deteriorate through neglect."