A GLITCH in building work will delay the re-opening of a special needs school.

A decision by Middlesbrough Council two years ago to close the deaf wing at Beverley School, formerly known as Middlesbrough's School for the Deaf, sparked outrage and a protest campaign among the parents of children with hearing impairment.

Now technical problems have delayed the re-opening of the school as a specialist centre for 80 autistic children, following a £800,000 revamp.

The council said an "over-run in building refurbishment" would mean the school would open on September 8, rather than next Wednesday, as planned.

Parents have been asked to ring the school on (01642) 277444 on Monday afternoon if the three-day delay will cause serious child care problems.

Headteacher Nigel Carden has written to parents explaining the reasons for the delays.

Following a review of the situation on Monday, it might be possible to organise some activities for youngsters in some parts of the building before the school is fully opened.

Mr Carden said: "The contractors had a detailed programme and have worked very hard to keep on schedule, but have had several delays outside their control.

"These include the removal of asbestos, the need for extra structural steel work, flooding during the recent extreme weather and the fitting of new windows which had not originally been included.

"The builders have been working weekends through much of the programme and, until recently, thought they could catch up on the delays.''

The council apologised for any inconvenience caused by the delays in re-opening.

It also said that, in special circumstances, the school could accommodate a limited number of children in the classrooms where work had been completed.

This would have to be discussed with the headteacher first, it said.