PEOPLE in Hartlepool are being urged to have their say on the future of education for children with special educational needs.

It is the latest stage of consultation by Hartlepool Borough Council as it prepares to apply for up to £90m from the Government's Building Schools for the Future initiative, to improve the town's secondary schools.

Opinions are being sought on excluded pupils, provisions for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, the possible co-location of Catcote and Springwell special schools and the best way to help pupils with special needs in mainstream schools.

A consultation document has been sent to everyone directly affected and a summary leaflet has been sent to people with school-age children. A series of public consultations will take place on:

* Wednesday, at Owton Manor Community Centre, 6pm to 7pm;

* Thursday, Springwell School, 5.30pm to 7pm;

* Monday, October 15, Jesmond Road Primary School, 6pm to 7pm;

l Tuesday, October 16, Catcote School, 5.30pm to 7pm;

l Wednesday, October 17, High Tunstall College of Science, 6pm to 7pm.

For details or a copy of the consultation document call Christine Lowson on 01429-523754 or visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/ schoolscapital/bsf

The closing date for comments is October 26.