THE number of pupils who can attend a primary school in Blackrod is set to grow.

Council chiefs are expected to sign off plans next week which will see the reception intake at Blackrod Primary School increase from 30 to 45 pupils.

If approved on Monday, the changes will be brought in on a temporary basis.

Following this, Bolton Council will launch a statutory formal public consultation period of four weeks, in which comments can be received, before the changes can be made permanent.

In response to the high demand for reception places in Blackrod, approval was given to

the temporary increase for new admissions in September 2016.

Officers are recommending that Deputy Council leader Linda Thomas, who has responsibility for education, signs off the plans on Monday.