GOVERNORS have expressed fears about plans to build a school close to their own.

Outline planning permission was granted by Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillors yesterday for a replacement for Gillbrook Technology School, in Teesville, near Middlesbrough, to be built behind the present school.

The plan also includes facilities for a sixth-form college intended to take in Nunthorpe School, Gillbrook and Eston Park School.

However, the headteacher and governors of nearby Eston Park said the proximity of the replacement school could lead to friction between pupils while building work would disturb pupils from both schools and pose a security risk and access problems.

There is also concern that Eston Park may lose space from sports pitches, especially during construction.

Neville Martin, chairman of Eston Park governors, said: "It would be much better if the replacement school could be built on the site of the old Stapylton School instead.

"The outline planning application doesn't say exactly how close the replacement school will be to ours, but you can't put up a new building like this without upsetting existing pupils and a large number of children will need to be kept under control during the construction work.

"There is always the possibility where you have two competing schools just separated by a fence that there might be competition which could lead to problems.

"We're delighted that Gillbrook is being renovated as it needs it, but we just don't want the new building next to ours."

Tina Robinson, of the education department at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "Gillbrook wish to maintain their current location and do not want to relocate to the Stapylton site.

"They also consider it is important that they continue to be located close to Eston sports facilities and also to the new City Learning Centre's remaining sports facilities, with whom they work in partnership.

"Eston Park would retain all its existing facilities and each school would have a secure boundary."

* A plan to demolish Bydales Comprehensive School, in Marske, and replace it with a school to the east of the building has also been given outline planning permission.