RADCLIFFE schoolchildren left high and dry by the devastating arson attack at Coney Green High School can still enjoy a planned summer playscheme.

Hours after Sunday night's blaze, which caused £350,000 worth of damage, it was decided the playscheme due to begin that day at Coney Green would be switched.

It is now taking place at St Philip's High School in Whitefield. An alternative site for Coney Green's summer literacy scheme is being sought.

Meanwhile, detectives are continuing their investigations into Sunday night's fire which destroyed three classrooms and a dining area.

Staff are confident the school will be fully or partially reopened when the 550 pupils return for the new term in September. Chairman of the governors, Mr Colin Jones said: "We have assessed the area which sustained the most damage and are confident the school can be open on September 1."

A massive clean-up operation began on Tuesday. Throughout the run-up to the new term, Bury Council's department of competitive services, education and finance officials and outside contractors will be involved in getting the school reopened in time.

Deputy head Mr Dave Tarver said the first priority will be to make sufficient areas available for teaching to ensure a full education for everyone.

"A lot of resources have obviously been damaged by the blaze and it's very disappointing," he said. "But everything is insured and will be replaced."

Up to 40 firefighters tackled the fierce blaze which is being investigated by officers at Whitefield CID.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Steve Simcock or Detective Constable Stan Brandish on 856 8248.

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