COUNCIL officers have confirmed their intention to fully consult residents on plans to relocate a school for children with educational and behavioural difficulties.

Chilton West Residents' Association members said at a recent meeting they were appalled at Durham County Council's plan to move Windlestone Hall school to the outskirts of the village.

The council wants to move the school from Rushyford to a new building on land at Chilton Blue House Farm.

Officers say the current 19th Century premises, once the home of former prime minister Sir Anthony Eden, are unsuitable and cannot be developed.

But the move, which would cost about £4m, can only proceed when money becomes available. The council says there will be plenty of time for objections to be made once detailed proposals are drawn up.

The association is to hold a public meeting to obtain villagers' views and intends to invite a representative from the county council.

A council spokesman said: "It has always been our intention to consult fully and formally with local people at the appropriate time, and it is quite legitimate to have drawn up proposals on which to consult rather than take along a blank sheet of paper.

"However, as we do not have the cash to relocate the school right away, those formal consultations are still some way off. In the meantime, we will be happy to attend a meeting with the residents' association to discuss what we have in mind."