PLANS to raise admission numbers of a popular Breightmet school have moved another step closer.

Bolton's Council's executive has approved proposals to increase the admission limit at Red Lane Primary School from 45 to 60 places.

Director of education and culture, Margaret Blenkinsop, will now publish statutory proposals to increase the numbers.

The plans have met with disapproval from headteachers of nearby primary schools.

Chris Caldwell, of the Top o'th' Brow School, and Brian Essex, of Tonge Moor School, think the plans would increase pressure on their schools, as there are already surplus places in their part of the borough.

They have requested that the proposals are put on hold for 18 to 24 months.

The executive heard that Red Lane is a popular school and parents regularly appealed for places for their children. This led to yearly admission numbers of more than 50 being agreed.

A 149-signature petition has been collected in favour of the proposals to increase the number of admissions.