PUPILS at Horsforth School will soon be enjoying the benefits of a new £172,000 library.

The scheme was this week approved by councillors keen to see facilities improved at the comprehensive.

And head teacher Ian Philp is delighted at the prospect. He said: "We have more pupils than ever before and, to be honest, life is becoming a little cramped here."

The much-needed extra library is the latest in a series of developments at the school which include eight new classrooms and three laboratories.

Plans are also in the pipeline to open it up to the public in the future.

Mr Philp said: "These plans are still in their early stages but I sincerely hope our new library will become an important resource for the local community as well as for pupils.

"I would like to extend my thanks to pupils and parents for their patience while the building works are taking place."

Work on the building will start at the beginning of December and should be completed by March 1999. Staff hope the classrooms and labs will be completed by half-term.

Councillor Mick Coulson (Lab, Pudsey South), chairman of Leeds City Council's education property services sub-committee, said: "Horsforth High School is an exceptionally popular school, and last year, an additional 125 places were provided at the school.

"This, inevitably, has led to a strain on the school's accommodation, so I'm delighted we're able to cover most of a courtyard to provide another library and computing area."

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