PLANS to bulldoze Radcliffe's two high schools and replace them with one new school have been welcomed by both sets of governors.

Bury Council bosses are considering closing the existing Coney Green and Radcliffe High buildings.

In a joint statement, the governors of both schools said: "We believe it represents an exciting opportunity for the students and staff of the two schools and for the local community."

Cllr Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, said a new school could be built on either of the two sites, but a third location would be cheaper and not cause disruption while it was being built.

It has not been decided whether the current school sites would have to be sold to part-finance the scheme.

Council bosses are considering raising the necessary cash through the controversial Private Finance Initiative (PFI).