WORK has started on a £16,000 wildlife viewing platform at a Hyndburn school.

The key stage two yard at West End Primary School has been closed off while work on the raised decking is completed over the next three weeks.

The project at the Oswaldtwistle school, which aims to bring the pupils closer to nature, is the last part of the school’s centenary celebrations which were mainly held last year.

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Construction at the Aspen Lane school had been delayed through the planning permission process with Hyndburn Council.

However the scheme, which will also provide disabled access to the yard for the first time, was recently given the green light after governors agreed to fund the project through the school’s budget with the PTA chipping in as well.

Head teacher James McBride said: “One of the things I noticed when I joined this school is that there is no disabled access to the key stage two yard.

“At the moment it’s not a problem as we do not have any pupils who are in a wheelchair but that does not mean that we will not in the future.

“It’s great that we are able to have this platform which will not only provide that access but also give the pupils somewhere quiet to sit during playtime.”

While the work is being carried out all 210 pupils are sharing the key stage one yard which Mr McBride said has been going well.

An official opening of the platform, which is being built directly over part of the school’s wildlife area, is expected to be held after the half-term break.

Mr McBride said: “It’s quite a significant investment for the school but it will be worth it in the long run as there are so many benefits for the children.

“The children are really excited about it and it will be a great asset for the school to have.

“The project was delayed because of the planning process but also the work could only be carried out when the bird nesting season had finished.

“That meant that it was either now or over Christmas and nobody works over Christmas so it had to be now.”