THERE has been a shock new twist to the Longsight school saga with education chiefs proposing that another primary could teach its pupils in September.

The Local Education Authority has suggested that Longsight Primary pupils should join Harwood Meadows Primary School, but will continue to be taught at the Hough Fold Way buildings.

The plans do not signal an amalgamation of the two primaries, but are thought to be a way of causing minimum disruption to Longsight pupils.

The future of Longsight staff remains unclear as all pupils would be taught by Harwood Meadows teachers under the direct management of their current headteacher.

There will be no reception intake for Longsight as from September and pupils will also be offered places at Christ's Church CE Primary School.

News of the latest twist shocked parents, staff and governors, but was welcomed by opposition councillors who see the move as a step in the right direction. Cllr John Walsh, who has been opposed to the school's closure since it was announced at the end of last year, said: "I'm delighted that the council is now talking to parents.

"If this had happened some months ago it would have saved a lot of upset and worry.

"At least they are now addressing the real issue of not disrupting Longsight pupils."

He added: "A split site school will create problems, for example we hope parents who have a child at Longsight and a young child starting school in September will not have to take the children to separate schools.

"There are still unanswered questions, but at least the issue is back on the agenda of discussion."

Chairman of Longsight governors, Keith Elcoat, said: "Everyone feels a bit stumped by this news.

"It could work in theory, but there is still no detail on what would happen to Longsight staff."

Secretary of Bolton's National Union of Teachers, Barry Conway, said: "We are looking at these arrangements very carefully and will consult with our members."