PLANS for a new secondary school in a fast-growing Cleveland town are set to clear another hurdle.

A public meeting in Ingleby Barwick on Monday heard that work had been completed on preparing a business case for the new school.

A progress report given to the community indicated that proposals for a 600-place Church of England secondary school for 11 to 16-year-olds at Blair Avenue are viable.

The plan shows that, once all the educational, community and financial objectives are taken into account, a new school at Ingleby Barwick is the best solution to the area's secondary education needs.

The issue went before Stockton council's Cabinet yesterday.

If adopted - and subject to the outcome of a consultation exercise - it will be the basis of a bid to the government at the end of September.

The Stockton schools organisation committee will decide whether to implement the proposals during October and a Treasury decision is expected in November.

Sports hall and playing field facilities at the school would be available for community use, as would the library.

The plans also include a 210-place primary school on an adjacent site.

All would be constructed under the government's private finance initiative with a partner sought to design, build, finance and operate the school.

Teachers would be employed by a Board of Trustees, as is usual for CE schools, with support services from Stockton council.

As well as funding construction, the partner will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the buildings and grounds.

The plans are backed by the York Diocese.

The council will consider a planning application on September 15 and is currently negotiating to buy the site.

Cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, Coun Alex Cunningham, said: "There is still a long way to go, but the news that the figures stack up is very encouraging."

The Rev Andrew Martlew, diocese director of education, said: "This is an exciting project and we are involved in some complex financial pro-cesses. I am quietly hopeful it will lead to an excellent school with clear aims and values."

Monday's meeting was at Ingleby Barwick community centre. A second public meeting will be held at Whinstone primary school on September 5 at 6.30.

"We hope people will come," said Coun Cunningham. "This a good chance to keep people informed and for us to hear their views on what is being proposed.