A TROUBLED school has a new chairman of governors despite facing the threat of closure.

Keith Elcoat, who has been acting as spokesman for the Longsight Action Group, has become chairman of governors in a bid to help turn around the primary school's fortunes.

Gillian Platt stood down as chairman in December after many years of holding the role.

She will remain on the board of governors, but felt she could not dedicate enough time to the job as she is based in London four days a week.

Mr Elcoat, who has two children at the Hough Fold Way school, is a former pupil and has been a member of the board of governors for three years.

The 35-year-old, who is from Harwood, is determined to fight to keep the school open, but admits the action group faces a tough battle.

He said: "It is a really busy time for me to take the job on, but we need to push standards at the school forward.

"We are not in special measures for no reason and have never been shy to admit that fact.

"But the school should remain open."

Mr Elcoat has visited Crompton Fold Primary School to see how they managed to get out of special measures and will also be going to talk to staff at Castle Hill Primary School for advice as they have recently come out of special measures.

As reported in the BEN, the action group is hoping is sue the local education authority on the grounds of not having provided enough help for the school to get out of special measures.

However, the legal case has been put on hold as solicitors have advised the group that they can only take action against the LEA once the school is definitely closing.

The final decision on the future of the school will be taken next month by the Schools Organisation Committee, which is made up of LEA representatives, members of the Bolton Race Equality Council, school governors, and Church of England and Roman Catholic diocese representatives.

Bolton Council's Executive member for Education, Cllr Linda Thomas, recommended the school's closure and will be visiting Longsight Primary on Monday, February 25.

She will be explaining her decision to parents at a meeting due to be held at 7pm.

Cllr Thomas's visit to the school on February 18 has been cancelled.