RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has welcomed the formal start of the commissioning process for a new school in Clitheroe.

Lancashire County Council has launched a consultation on the new primary on the Higher Standen Farm site in the town opening in September 2023.

It would eventually have 210 pupils.

The school, although commissioned by the county council, would be a ‘free school’ and not run by it.

Mr Evans said: “I’m very pleased that the consultation on the proposed new primary school for Clitheroe has now opened.

"While primary schools in areas such as Barrow and Whalley have increased their provision of school places in recent years, Clitheroe has been playing catchup.

"The Standen Estate will have over 1,000 houses, and a new school is vital both for catering to the new estate, but also to ensuring that other primary schools in Clitheroe do not face too much pressure for places in the future."