Ponteland school plans moving forward

MULTI-MILLION pound plans for two new schools and leisure facilities in one of the region’s most exclusive villages have moved a step closer.

Northumberland County Council “minded to approve” proposals for a new primary school, secondary school and leisure centre in Ponteland.

The primary school will have 420 places while the high school will have a capacity of 1,600.

A six-lane, 25m swimming pool, gym, climbing wall, library and community police facility are also planned for the adjoining leisure and cultural centre.

All three developments will be based on the site of the existing leisure centre on Callerton Lane, which is set to be demolished.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will now assess the plans before they are formally given the green light.

Council leader Peter Jackson said: “This administration is determined to drive up standards in education in Northumberland so that we no longer languish below the national average.”