Labour councillors are expected to support a proposal for a new secondary school at Thackley - which could mean the closure of two other schools.

Eccleshill Upper and Woodend Middle could shut if the plan went ahead.

The Telegraph & Argus understands a Labour group meeting behind closed doors in City Hall last night supported the new school by a majority of about six votes.

The group's decision means approval is almost certain to be given by the full Council.

Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood would neither confirm or deny the report. He said: "I am not in a position to say what views were taken."

But there was both fury and joy at the three schools anxiously waiting for the review team's recommendations which will be announced next week.

The major changes in schools across the district would lead to a two tier education system. But the final decision on the changes would have to be made by Education Secretary David Blunkett.

Madeline Lawlor, chairman of the Woodend governors, said she was disappointed with the news. "It really is not what we expected and a lot of residents will be upset by this.

"This idea of Cote Farm has come out of the blue and I fear that this idea was already done and dusted before the review panel spoke to concerned parents earlier in the week.

"I just hope this new proposal is not being done for financial reasons, because you cannot sacrifice children's education in this way."

Shipley MP Chris Leslie said he would seek a meeting with Bradford's education chiefs. In a letter to Labour councillors this week, he urged them to reject any proposal of Cote Farm. He said: "The area contains a large number of disadvantaged people and there is a need to provide a school with modern facilities in the area

"We are still at a consultative stage and nothing has been formally agreed yet."

Councillor David Ward (Idle, Lib Dem) said the problem was due to the failure of Labour councillors to support the school

Chairman of Eccleshill governors Brent Fitzpatrick said he believed the meetings called by the Council to discuss the possibility of the new school had been a smokescreen and he thought a decision had already been taken beforehand.

"But Thackley mother-of-two Karen Mayhew, 42, of North Lea View, said: "It would be brilliant to get the support of the group. I am overjoyed but I realise there are many more hurdles to overcome."

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