A CAMPAIGN to give a town its own secondary school is a step nearer to achieving its goal.

Stockton Borough Council's cabinet is this week expected to rubber-stamp a plan showing that a 600-place school for 11 to 16-year-olds at Ingleby Barwick is "viable''.

The completed plan will form the basis of a bid for Government approval to build the proposed Blair Avenue comprehensive under a private finance initiative arrangement with a private developer.

A private company would be responsible for the design, construction, financing and operation of the school, including the day-to-day running of the school buildings and grounds, repairs, and the appointment of caretakers and cleaners.

The council will consider a planning application next month when it will submit its bid to Government. A Treasury decision would be anticipated in November after discussions by the statutory watchdog, the Stockton Schools Organisation Committee.

Residents say with both the estate's over-full primary schools having to rely on portable classrooms, a Roman Catholic primary school nearing completion, and two more primaries planned - one on the secondary school site - the situation is now critical.

It was five years ago that parents launched their drive for a secondary school under the banner, Boss (Barwick's Own Secondary School).

The sports hall, playing fields and the library of the new school would be available for community use.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for education, said: "There is still a long way to go, but the news that the figures stack up is very encouraging.''

He urged local people to attend planned public meetings, including a consultation round at Ingleby Barwick Community Centre tonight. A second public meeting is planned at Whinstone Primary School on September 5.

The secondary school would be run by the Church of England with teachers appointed by a board of trustees. The Reverend Andrew Martlew, director of education for the York diocese, said: "It's a very exciting project and we are involved in some very complex financial processes.''

Ward councillor Jennie Beaumont said: "We are in sight of the winning post with one or two hurdles still to jump and it is very necessary now the schooling situation has become critical.''