A HEADTEACHER believes plans for a new £4.25million school - which have divided an East Lancashire village - will improve education standards for generations to come.

Nearly three years of controversy have surrounded the creation of a replacement for Laneshawbridge Primary, near Colne, which is ranked one of the best in the country.

But today county councillors approved the new school, in principle. But the authority must wait until April 8, to see if any new objections are raised about the possible impact on a right of way, across the school site.

The Edwardian school, in Emmott Lane, is cramped, without a proper kitchen or decent hall, and lacks a dedicated playground for the youngest children, say supporters.

And teachers, governors and parents had pinned their hopes on the construction of a new 65-metre long single-storey replacement, to the north-west of the current site.

But villagers, and those living near the school, say the plans will only create increased traffic congestion along the narrow Emmott Lane.

Under the county education department’s proposals, the school’s roll would increase from 174 pupils to 210. The current capacity is said to be 154.

Around 500 names had been submitted on a protest petition alongside 200 letters of objection - but 400 had sent correspondence in support of the bid.

School parent Suzanne Schofield said 90 per cent of the school’s pupils lived within a three-mile radius.

“An opportunity like this will not come our way again. The funding is in place but if we don’t use it then we might lose out,” she added.

Protesters spokesman Val Bennett said several other schools in Pendle, including nearby Trawden, already had surplus places.

She claimed a number of parents had reservations about the plans but were afraid to speak out, fearing repercussions for their children.

Speaking after the decision, headteacher Eileen Bleasdale said: “We are absolutely overjoyed. This is well-deserved for the present generation at the school and means we can continue to provide an excellent standard of education for pupils in future. ”