A FREE school planned for Horwich is not needed and could have a negative impact on local schools, according to a councillor, who has called on the proposal to be delayed.

Cllr Kevin McKeon, former cabinet member for schools and chairman of governors at Chorley New Road Primary School, says there are not enough pupils in the area to justify the opening of a new 420-place primary.

St Catherine’s CE Primary School in Horwich is bidding to open Pearl Brook CE Primary School to cater for families moving into the new Horwich Loco Works development in Rivington Chase.

It says it is to meet demand for places. But Cllr McKeon said: “The Horwich Loco Works will not be developed for many years and the free school is planned to open in 2019 — the 1,700 houses will not be built for another 15 years.

"When the houses are built there will be a gradual increase in primary school numbers, with only a few starting at any one time.”

He added: “Chorley New Road Primary School is to be rebuilt to become a two form entry school and others school have been asked if they want to expand.

"Fifteen extra places are being created in Blackrod, St Mary’s RC School would like to become two form entry, but this cannot happen because there are not enough children, and it is not required.Cllr McKeon said: “Chorley New Road Primary School is expanding, another school is expanding and the other has aspirations to become a two form entry.

"The new free school could have a negative effect on other schools, make them non-viable financially or we could have partially full schools.

"I am urging St Catherine’s CE Primary School to delay its application for the free school and enter in negotiations with the council to discuss how to genuinely meet the needs of the community.

He added: “This is the problem with the government’s policy when the local authorities are no longer able to open schools in line with demand.”

Karen Graham, headteacher of St Catherine’s said:”Pearl Brook is being proposed to meet demand for additional places as a result of the development as well as helping meet parental demand for Church of England school places in our locality where schools have already expanded to meet existing demand.

"And plans are in place for Chorley New Road to be rebuilt and provide an additional 105 places which will help deliver some of the 420 places forecast.

"Our aspiration is that Pearl Brook will be securely at the heart of the Rivington Chase village community as well as that of the strong Horwich community.

"It will provide an outstanding and innovative curriculum.

"We are clear that it will play a vital role in creating a new community which truly learns together.

“We are committed to working closely with schools and the Horwich community to secure high quality primary education for the future generation.

"We feel passionately that this additional school will meet this need.

"We are in the process of actively consulting and seeking the views of the community.

“These views will play a significant part in the decision made by the Department of Education.

She said that residents' views could be shared via the website pearlbrookce.com.”