FURIOUS parents today vowed to fight the reorganisation of special schools in Blackburn to the bitter end.

Education chiefs have completed a review of special schools in the borough and propose the closure of the primary department at Crosshill School and the merger of neighbouring Blackamoor and Dame Evelyn Fox special schools, creating a centre for physically and mentally disabled children with complex learning difficulties.

Crosshill looks set to become a special high school for children aged between 11 and 16 with moderate learning difficulties.

To replace the primary department at Crosshill, two existing primary schools in the area will be equipped to accept children with moderate learning difficulties.

Two high schools in the borough will also be developed to accommodate pupils with physical disabilities.

Education officers say they will work on proposals to expand the role of Broadlands Special School which will be included in a bid for funding under Government plans to boost the number of early excellence centres.

Jean Nicholson, a parent governor and chairman of the action group at Crosshill, rejected council officers' claims that they had listened to parents and teachers during the four month consultation exercise.

She said: "Never once have I heard anybody say they are in favour of what has been proposed. Yet the council has gone ahead anyway.

"By keeping Crosshill open as a special high school they are acknowledging the need for somewhere for children with moderate learning difficulties.

"Yet they don't see the need for a primary department. To me that means they are going to have a lot of problem teenagers on their hands in future years.

"This decision still has to go to the government and we will be fighting this until the final decision is made."

Andy Sykes, secretary of the parents, teachers and friends association at Blackamoor School, said : "Parents are dismayed at this dilution of service and don't think the new arrangements will meet the needs of their children.

"There are particular concerns about health care and the health care trust has itself expressed reservations about what this new arrangement will mean."

Director of education Mark Pattison said: "We have tried to accommodate most points of view, but it is, of course, impossible to satisfy everyone.

"Nevertheless, I believe the proposals represent real progress and a way forward in our provision.

"All along our aim in conducting this exhaustive and very thorough review has been to improve provision in order to better meet the requirements of children with special education needs."

The proposals will go before councillors on Monday.

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