NELC's cabinet backs proposal for 150-place Grimsby school for children with special learning challenges

'Best way forward' - Cllr Cracknell (left) and NELC's director of children's services, Ann-Marie Matson

PLANS for a new school on the site of former high-rise flats off Freeman Street in Grimsby are being backed by North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet.

The proposed school will be for up to 150 pupils with special needs.

Welcoming the endorsement, portfolio holder for children and education Margaret Cracknell said: "We know how many families in our area and across the country struggle to find appropriate education settings to support their children.

 "In Cabinet, we agreed that plans for a  school for children with social, emotional and mental health challenges in North East Lincolnshire are the best way forward."

Meanwhile, NELC's leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, commented: "This is not just an opportunity to support a group of children who will benefit from a new school, but also offers the possibility of prompting wider regeneration.

"A development like this creates skilled jobs and increases the number of people in that part of town thereby supporting local businesses."

The development is subject to planning consent which may prove a challenge given that the site is vulnerable to flood risk - with £2.2-2.3-million required to reduce the threat.

Assuming the venture goes ahead, capital costs funding would come partly from NELC and partly from Whitehall.

* At the same cabinet meeting, members agreed to invest in new electric cremators at Grimsby Crematorium and to press ahead with a scheme for a new bus station (to be known as a 'transport hub' - it sounds grander) off Osborne Street, Grimsby. 

The site off Freeman Street which has been earmarked for a new school