COUNCIL chiefs have again delayed plans to pursue a £25m city academy for Darlington.

The borough council is keen to see the development, which would combine Hurworth School and struggling Eastbourne Comprehensive, on the edge of town.

It has been invited by the Government to submit an expression of interest in such a project and town hall officials have chosen land in Yarm Road for the academy.

The last meeting of the council's cabinet deferred the matter to allow it to be considered by a lifelong-learning scrutiny committee.

That committee supported the idea last week and, as a result, cabinet members were expected to back it last night.

But council leader John Williams suggested the cabinet should defer lodging an expression of interest until a further report was produced.

He said that report should include the identity of a private sponsor for the academy - and the views of a wide range of interested parties.

Coun Williams said he wanted to see "engagement secured with all schools and parents, employers, community groups, public service organisations and others who have an interest".

And despite Hurworth School governors recently rejecting an academy in favour of pursuing foundation status, Coun Williams also insisted that the authority wanted their backing.

He said: "I want to feel confident that, as we proceed, we are able to answer the questions that people are raising.

"I also want, if at all possible, to bring the governing bodies of both schools with us, together with key education stakeholders across the town.

"I also want everyone in Darlington to be aware that this issue is not just about a proposed academy for Eastbourne and Hurworth, but about the future of education in the whole of the borough."

Campaigners fighting to preserve Hurworth School in its present rural location welcomed the deferral, but also sounded a note of caution.

Ian Holme, of the Save Hurworth and Rural Education action group, said he was concerned that the council could use the extra time to isolate protestors from the rest of the borough.

"Hurworth governors have made their position absolutely clear and that should be respected," he said.