CONTROVERSIAL plans to close three special schools and build a new ‘super school’ have been put on hold after Wiltshire Council withdrew its decision to back the plan.

Parents from St Nicholas' in Chippenham and Larkrise in Trowbridge, who raised more than £10k and launched a legal challenge, have now withdrawn their court case and instead agreed to work with Wiltshire Council over new plans.

Larkrise parent Teresa Lilley said: “Campaigning has been a full-time job and it has been an emotional rollercoaster. We are really pleased but we know it is not the end. We will be moving forward together with Wiltshire Council on this.

“Our fear is that in four weeks time we will be back in exactly the same situation. Everybody was telling them it was not the right plan and now hopefully they will listen. In an ideal world, we want more special schools, not fewer.”

Wiltshire Council said it withdrew its plans to “foster good working relationships with families, prevent further delay and to conserve public money.”

Leader of the council Jane Scott confirmed Wiltshire Council will now reopen the consultation and take into consideration 2500 responses on how to increase special school places to create 220 extra places by 2023.

The move to open a £20m state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence on the site of Rowdeford School will now be put on hold as the consultation re-opens until May 6.

Speaking at Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Cllr Scott said: “We have a clear way forward and further debate will come when we come back to cabinet in the summer. We have had over 2400 online responses and 100 emails. These people do not have to resend their responses. The consultation opened today and will continue to 5pm on May 6. This is longer than the four weeks agreed with families because it takes place over Easter. ”

Officers will hold a further two consultation meetings.

“Our decision will be made by cabinet this summer and will mean the timetable for delivering more school places will still be met.”

Mike Loveridge, headteacher of Rowdeford School said: “This recent development will understandably lead to a further delay in the process, creating more uncertainty for children and families throughout Wiltshire.

“Whatever the outcome, we will work collaboratively with others, to maximise opportunities for students’ current and future success and in kindling students’ desire to go on and achieve.

Parent Emily Wadds said: We would like to thank everyone who has supported us, but now we must turn to the future. Wiltshire Council are still faced with a shortfall in SEND places and must find a solution which provides the best possible outcomes for ALL our SEND children, no matter how complex or wide-ranging their needs."