The end of a long-running row between a school caretaker and Bradford Council could be in sight, it was revealed today.

Alwyne Clapham's future has been shrouded in uncertainty since he was told Bradford's schools shake-up would cost him his job and home.

Mr Clapham, caretaker at Baildon's former Belmont Middle School, has refused to move out of the on-site bungalow he has lived in with his wife Marilyn for the last 17 years despite Sandal Primary taking over the site in September with all its staff including caretaker Phil Whitrick.

The 51-year-old - still employed by the Council but on a list of staff who are surplus to requirements - has been fighting to be given an acceptable compensation package, stay on as the site's caretaker or be given a similar post, with accommodation, in the area.

He and his wife - who have argued they should be allowed to stay as caretakers have nothing to do with education standards, the reason behind the shake-up - have even said they are prepared to force the authority to take eviction proceedings if necessary.

But following a meeting with council officers Mr Clapham - currently off work with stress - revealed he is now pinning his hopes on a job interview.

He said: "It's an interview for another school caretaking job with the same salary, similar accommodation and the same working conditions.

"I'm pretty pleased to get the interview although I'm not getting too excited because I don't want to fall flat on my face.

"I'm quite relieved because this whole thing, which should have been avoided in the first place, has dragged on and on for the last 18 months.

"I've stuck to what I believe is right and said at the beginning I'd go on my terms and nobody else's. If I do get this job that's what I'll be doing.

"I've always said we'll stay here unless they offer me an acceptable severance package or another job with accommodation in this area.''

Meanwhile, the Claphams, who last year collected 1,000 signatures for a petition backing their case, have won the support of a former teacher at Belmont.

Alison White, now an English teacher at Bingley's Beckfoot Grammar, has described Mr Clapham and his wife - who worked at Belmont as a school assistant - as "wonderful people'' and called for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible.

She said: "Alwyne worked like mad for Belmont and the local community and doesn't deserve the treatment that he's had.''

A council spokesman said: "It's not appropriate for us to comment as we must let the recruitment and selection process take its course.''