FRESH plans are to be submitted to demolish Stockton Heath Primary School and replace it with a new building.

Members of Warrington Borough Council's executive board gave the go ahead for the new plans to be drawn up at a meeting on Monday.

The issue has sparked a fierce debate between parents and residents over whether a new multi-million pound school should be built on the Egerton Road site or the current building should be refurbished.

Speaking after Monday night's meeting, Clr Sheila Woodyatt, executive board member for children's services, said: "We are all aware this is a sensitive issue for a number of reasons.

"However, the council cannot fund, the extra £800,000 that is needed for the refurbishment option. If the money came out of the education budget other schools would suffer and as a responsible authority we cannot let this happen either."

Campaigners against the proposals for the rebuild handed out flyers before the meeting and there was an outcry in the room after the decision was made.

But members of school4ourkids, who are in favour of the rebuild option, welcomed the decision. A spokesman said: "We are extremely delighted at the decision made by the executive board. Once again, common sense has prevailed and our children are being offered the opportunity of having their already first rate learning and care consolidated within the environs of 21st century facilities."