PLANS to build a new school in the heart of the Horwich Loco Works development has been rejected by the department for education.

St Catherine’s CE Primary School in Horwich have been told their plans to open a school will not move to the next stage.

But the school says it will continue to fight for it to be built — stating their is a need for it in light of the huge development.

St Catherine’s CE Primary put forward plans to open Pearl Brook CE Primary School to provide places for children of families moving into the thousand plus houses to be built as part of the Rivington Chase development.

It was hoped the school would open in the heritage core of the development and would “play a vital role in creating a new community which truly learns together”.

The bid, say the school, was based on providing an outstanding education for children on the estate as well as parental demand for places at St Catherine’s CE Primary School as church schools.

Karen Graham, head of St Catherine’s CE Primary School, said: “There is a need for this school, this is a massive development.

“Buckshaw Village which is a little bigger than this development has two schools and there are still not enough places to meet need.

“ The types of houses being planned for this development are similar.”

She added: “The development needs a heart and the school will provide that.

“We will continue to fight for the school to be developed.

“The community have proved very supportive of it in the feedback we have received.”

The school is now urging the community to continue to support the plans and the bid to open Pearl Brook School.

Mrs Graham added: “The department’s reasons are that, although our application had many strengths, we were not able to demonstrate that there was a need for a new school or that the local community was in support of one.

“We will fight on and, following telephone feedback in the new year, we will prepare to reapply.

?“We now need to demonstrate that there is sufficient parent and community support to justify the establishment of a new school. “This is essential if we are to be successful.

“We would, therefore, like to seek support for this important, much needed new school.”

The school is urging people to complete a brief online form at http://www.pearlbrookce.com/pledge-your-support.html

In November, a local councillor said there was no need for a new school in Horwich. Cllr Kevin McKeon said there are not enough pupils in the area to justify the opening of a 420-place primary and that it could have a negative impact on local schools.

The new ‘town’ will have 1,700 homes, with the new community called Rivington Chase.

It also feature 20 acres of employment land and 50 acres of open space — including pedestrian and cycle routes.