KEITH Bailey has twins Katie and Michael, 14, at Eastbourne School.

He believes a new school would be hugely beneficial for the east side of Darlington.

Mr Bailey, who is a teacher in Middlesbrough, admits he originally wanted to send his children to Hurworth, but said Eastbourne had in recent times made rapid strides.

However, the school continued to be let down by the fabric of the building itself.

He said: "They have turned it around a lot, but Eastbourne's failing is that it is a school out of the 1930s instead of a school for the 2000s.

"It is not a school for the future and does not create the sort of modern day working environment which enthuses the kids to work.

"They have done a lot of work in the school building, but it is like putting plasters on a haemorrhage.

"There have been times when the toilets have not been working and other problems which have caused difficulties."

Mr Bailey said he sympathised with the view of Hurworth parents, describing the school as a very good one.

He said: "I can appreciate their feelings. It is a very good school and the kids play a very active part in what goes on there.

"However, from our point of view, Eastbourne and the east side of Darlington deserves a brand new community school that is going to be there for the forseeable future.

"If we are going to get a new school, merged with Hurworth, it could be real tonic for the area.

"The people of Eastbourne deserve the best education for their kids both today and for the future."

Mr Bailey said he would have no qualms if the new school was one of the Government's academy projects, and as such sponsored by a private backer.

He said: "We would have to see what happens, but these schools are second to none and have the sort of facilities that I would love my kids to have now.

"I have been into the city academies in Middlesbrough and it is like stepping into a different world, they are fantastic places."