A LAND swap deal could determine an Atherton school's future.

Planners this week again deferred a decision on building a new school on playing fields at Douglas Street, Atherton.

They have listened to both sides of an argument for and against the provision of a replacement for Chowbent Primary School - the oldest school in the area.

But now they are faced with a dilemma about whether they have time to swap one patch of covenanted land for another before funding for the project is withdrawn.

Planning committee member Cllr Bill Smith said: "I think this school should be built. A lot of the local people who have objected aren't against building a new school, they want it on the opposite end of the field."

Education committee member, Unitarian and Cllr Mrs Evelyne Smith explained: "I have a strong feeling for the school. It is still a lovely, old Unitarian building, full of character with a feeling all of its own.

"I do feel that with the strength of public opinion the school would be better sited at the Wesley Street end of the recreation ground.

"But that would mean exchanging two covenant deeds before funding

expires.

"Suggestions that a new Chowbent school be built at Meadowbank would mean Chowbent would lose its identity.

"Eighty per cent of pupils are from the immediate area and 20% from Hag Fold."

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