AN attempt to use the Human Rights Act to prevent a school for pupils with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties being sited next to a primary school has failed.

Members of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet decided earlier this month that formal consultation would begin on siting the school at the empty Alderman William Jones building in Grangetown.

But Grangetown councillors say a 600-name petition against the proposed siting of the school has been handed into the council.

They say local residents are worried that teenagers with behavioural difficulties may cause problems in the area and parents with pupils at neighbouring St Mary's RC Primary School are concerned youngsters may be influenced by the older children.

Yesterday, Grangetown councillors Peter Dunlop and Lynn Pallister, and Teesville councillor Sheelagh Clarke, asked that the council's main overview and scrutiny committee demand that the council look again at the siting of the school, claiming that it did not adhere to the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Coun Pallister said: "We objected on the basis of the security of children at the neighbouring St Mary's school and the effect on their education, especially if their parents move them to a new school.

"We were also worried about the extra work the staff of St Mary's may have to do, like patrolling the perimeter fence." But their request was rejected by members.

Coun Pallister said: "We understand that the children with behavioural problems need a school, but we cannot ignore the 600 people who don't want it on that site.

"I think there will be a protest march organised."

Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, who has worked with children with behavioural difficulties, said: "The council are just going for the easiest option that costs the least. I don't think this school will be right for the children with behavioural difficulties."