A SCHOOL has moved a step closer to shutting its doors.

Last week the county council’s cabinet agreed to issue a public notice of its proposal to close Hendon Brook Short Stay School in Nelson.

Once the statutory notice has been published, there will be a four-week period during which representations can be made about the proposal to shut the school which supports children displaying emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.

If the proposal goes ahead the school would close from August 31.

County Cllr Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for schools, said: “I’d like to reassure everyone that all views we received during the consultation were considered very carefully, before the decision was taken to move to the next stage of the process.

“Our paramount concern is always to provide the best education we can for all young people and because of this we have no other option.”

The consultation period ran from Monday, September 9 to Friday, October 18 including an event attended by education officers where parents, staff and other interested parties had the chance to ask questions and express their views.

The final decision on closure will be taken in April.

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