A YORK secondary school could be demolished to make way for a 1,200-pupil "super school", it was claimed today.

Education chiefs at City of York Council are reviewing the provision of education in the west of the city.

According to a newsletter distributed in the Westfield Ward by the council's ruling Liberal Democrats, one option could be the demolition of Lowfields School.

The newsletter said pupil numbers were falling, which would mean surplus desks at Lowfield and Oaklands schools.

It says: "One option likely to be considered could be to demolish Lowfields school and accommodate all pupils at a 1,200-capacity 'super comprehensive' on the Oaklands site.

"If the Lowfields site was sold, then the possibility of a brand new building for 'new Oaklands' would be a real prospect, with the outdated 1950s style secondary modern buildings being bulldozed."

Leader of the council and Westfield Ward representative Steve Galloway said: "Questions will be asked whether there is a more economical way of ensuring resources could be better used, which could mean a school closure.

"We have two schools that are close together geographically which date from the 1950s and 60s and are increasingly in need of major investment to provide education that 2003 and beyond dictates."

The review being carried out by the council is looking at the numbers of pupils expected to be in the area, parental preferences for schools and opportunities for investments.

Patrick Scott, director of education at the city council, said the closure of Lowfields was speculation and just a number of possible options.

He said: "Just before Easter the council passed a motion asking for the LEA to review the provision of secondary school places in the west side of the city. That review is currently being undertaken. As yet there are no formal proposals."

Updated: 10:58 Friday, October 03, 2003