TWO new Bolton schools could have a lot in common as education chiefs begin the search for a firm to design and build both.

More details have been revealed about the plans for the projects -- in Westhoughton and Farnworth -- to build the new schools to replace existing ones.

In Westhoughton, The Gates School will replace the existing Fourgates and St John (Wingates) primary schools.

Detailed plans have been submitted for the school, which will be built on Manchester Road. After putting the £1.65 million project out to tender, the Local Education Authority (LEA) has a shortlist of five contractors from which it has to choose one.

Queensbridge School, which will be built on St Germain Street, Farnworth, and will be an amalgamation between Queen Street County Primary and Bridgewater Nursery, also has a £1.65 million price tag.

It has been revealed that both schools would include nurseries and community rooms and would be able to cater for children with special needs.

The LEA has given a completion date for both projects as August 2002, ready for the beginning of next year's autumn term.

Chris Swift, previously LEA assistant director of policy and resources, said: "We know that people have been concerned about both schools being built without delay, but we are still a little way from work starting.

"We need to consider bids for the work from various contractors before the building can begin, but we would like to reassure parents that progress will be made."