A school's plans to move have been put on hold amid fears that if it goes ahead children will be working in a dangerous building site.

Baildon Church of England Primary School in Jenny Lane was due to move to the site of Ladderbanks Middle in September under the schools' reorganisation.

But, in a letter, head teacher Jean Binns told parents that concerns over safety at the new school means the children may have to stay put, perhaps until Christmas.

"We can't take everybody to Ladderbanks if it is still a building site," said Mrs Binns. "It might be a bit cramped here, but at least it will be safe."

Extensive work needs to be completed on Ladderbanks in Coverdale Way before it is fit to host a primary school.

A nursery section needs to be installed as well as an information technology suite and other work on classrooms.

The work cannot be started until all the Ladderbanks children have left as there is low grade asbestos in the school which will be disturbed by building work and therefore need to be removed under sealed conditions.

Mrs Binns in the letter warned parents that their new school might not be finished for the start of the new term.

"We do not think rectifying things can be done in six weeks," she said. "We would prefer to open up as a whole school at half-term or as late as Christmas. It is disappointing, but we are in a better position than a lot of schools."

Councillor David Ward, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for education said: "We have warned the ruling Labour group time and time again that it would not be done on time and it has come to pass. It's sheer incompetence."

Councillor Eileen McNally, the Deputy Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "I am aware that there is a lot of work to be on a number of schools, including Ladderbanks, to get them on line for September. We are doing our best to get everyone in on time, but it is a big project and there is a great deal to do."

The situation in Baildon has caused a few headaches for City Hall bosses.

Parents and staff at the cluster of primary schools had to undergo a second, mini-reorganisation after education bosses admitting over-estimating the number of places required.

The casualty was Ferniehurst First which councillors decided before Christmas would close to balance the numbers.

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