The repairs to a special school for deaf children could cost up to £1.4 million as it is relocates to a community centre for the second time.

Thomasson Memorial Special School is relocating to Halliwell UCAN with a temporary classroom to be installed outside for its students.

The special school for deaf children from the Bolton Council area, as well as from the area of a dozen other authorities, was displaced at the start of last year after a flood for which the repair was disrupted by the discovery of asbestos. It returned to its site on Devonshire Road around a year ago amid calls from parents and supporters from the National Deaf Children's Society for it to be rebuilt.

But last month Thomasson Memorial Special School was displaced again due to the discovery of additional asbestos.

A report for consideration by cabinet member for children's services Martin Donaghy next week reveals the work could cost up to £1.4 million.

This includes repairs to the special school, repairs to Halliwell UCAN and the cost of the temporary classroom, all of which is to be covered by the Department for Education's School Condition Allocation.

A report reads: "A range of options to address the issue have been considered, including undertaking work whilst pupils remain within the building to limit disruption to their learning, but given the nature of the work involved, it is considered too hazardous and impracticable to do so."

Previously, a bid to the Department for Education's School Rebuilding Programme was unsuccessful, but the council has appealed and has asked the department to take into account this development.

A council spokesperson said: "This issue strengthens our case to have the school included and we will be working with the other local authorities to urge the Department for Education to reconsider."

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The safety of staff and pupils is paramount and we are in contact with Thomasson Memorial Special School and Bolton Council to ensure minimal disruption to pupils. 

"We consulted with responsible bodies on the criteria for the Schools Rebuilding Programme and the schools with buildings in the worst condition are already being addressed.

"We have selected 400 schools with the greatest need with 100 more schools to be confirmed."

The repairs are scheduled to take more than eight months.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.