AN infant school can go-ahead with building a sensory room and instal a new higher mesh fence to deter trespassers and vandals.

The plan was approved by councillors on Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Planning Committee

Town Hall education bosses can now demolish an existing classroom to improve facilities at Shadsworth Infant School in Rothesay Road, Blackburn.

The scheme will provide new classrooms, a sensory room, pupil and staff washrooms and community room.

The works will also include the replacement of existing fence with 2.4 metre high anti-climb mesh fence.

It has been approved with four conditions including the planting of a replacement for a tree which will be felled for the improvements.

A report by planning officers told councillors: “The school is a ‘T’ shape single-storey attractive red brick building set in attractive landscaped grounds. It has had many extensions over the years.

“This application also seeks permission to replace the existing boundary fence with a 2.4m high anti-climb mesh fence.

“The fence is being proposed on the grounds of safeguarding schoolchildren and due to the school experiencing trouble with trespassers and vandals.”