DESIGNS for a £3 million new primary school in Bentham have been shown to the public for the first time.

The new school will be built in Bellflecker’s Field between Low and High Bentham.

The building will contain the latest in environmentally friendly and energy efficient materials, together with accessibility for those with disabilities and community use.

The plans – by North Yorkshire County Council’s consultants, Jacobs – were shown at a public consultation event at the school last Thursday.

Head teacher. Catherine Boocock said the plans were well accepted.

“The vast majority of people who have seen the plans have reacted very positively to them, which is fantastic,” she said. “If we get the funding and the go-ahead, the school will be a real asset to Bentham and an investment in the future of youngsters here.

“The plans are fantastic and it is exactly what Bentham needs.

“The building will provide for up to 150 pupils with scope for extra-curricular activities as well as being environmentally efficient.”

Five years have passed since the idea of a new school was first mooted to accommodate both High and Low Bentham but the proposals stalled when the landowner pulled out of negotiations. In the meantime Low Bentham School closed because of dwindling numbers and the cramped High Bentham School continued to struggle for space.

In a turnaround, North Yorkshire County Council secured the site for a second time and the new school is back on track.

It is expected that planning permission will be granted early next year and the school could be up and running in 2012.

County councillor David Ireton, who represents North Craven, said: “A new school has been long-awaited by the communities of High and Low Bentham and all concerned have worked hard to bring about the scheme we now have before us.”

And he added: “We want to hear the views of parents and residents in order to build a school that everybody can be proud of and which will produce the best outcomes for local children.”