A MAJOR construction project has started at a Clitheroe school.

Work to replace the roof of the junior building at St James’ CE Primary School is under way and scaffolding has been erected around the building.

The Greenacre Street school said the project was expected to take16 weeks and will cause minimum disruption to its 284 pupils.

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It is, however, expected that the work to replace the roof of the 100-year-old building will force certain classes to move locations in the school for a short period.

It is thought that certain classes will have to be taught in the school hall while work is being done near their usual classroom.

The project became necessary after water started leaking into corridors inside the building.

Parents are being kept informed about the development through the school’s regular newsletters.

A school spokeswoman said: “This will make a huge different at the school and will benefit everyone.

“We have been looking to do this for a number of years but unfortunately there will be some disruption because of the location of the work.

“We aim to keep this disruption to a minimum and we certainly will not be closing the school.

“The work will not cause a lot of disruption to the normal working of the school.

“It will mean that maybe for one week each class will be in a different location in the school building such as the hall.

“We will not be able to use some access points as well but the surveyors are working closing with us to make sure that things go as smoothly as possible.

“The workers will only be in one section of the school at a time which will cut down any disruption.

“This work has needed to have been carried out for a while and water has been leaking into walkways. This building is well over 100 years old and simply needed a new roof.”

She said the work would also lead to an overall reduction in energy bills.

The school was founded in 1897 and the original building houses all the junior children.

The building comprises of nine class bases, a resource base, a library, a study room, staff room, music room, PE store, ICT Suite and a large central hall with storage area.

A disabled toilet, shower and changing area have also been added to this building.

Four infant classes, a disabled toilet and changing area and the administration centre, are housed in the newer building constructed in 1967 and added to in 1997. This building also has a hall, catering block, library, a disabled tiolet, shower and changing area, resource/store facilities, office, Headteacher’s room and special needs, resources and meeting room. Recent internal modernisation has taken place in both buildings.

Both buildings are accessable for wheelchair users and have extensive hard and soft play areas and are connected by a foot-bridge over Mearley Brook.

The school playing fields and the environmental area are at the rear of the junior playground.