HURWORTH could have a new secondary and primary school, and community centre under proposals put forward by the secondary school's chief executive.

In a presentation to Hurworth Parish Council, Eamonn Farrar said the school's "third-world" facilities needed "bringing into the 21st Century".

He said a funding bid to Darlington Borough Council would have more chance of success if the two schools and community centre worked together.

It is understood that Mr Farrar's preferred option is a new secondary school, primary school, and community centre - similar to the Darlington Education Village - on the present secondary school site. The primary school and Hurworth Grange land would be sold for housing to raise money for the buildings.

Any plans would be subject to community consultation, and there are other options. Mr Farrar said he did not have a mandate from the primary school, but said there was a commitment to work as partners.

The presentation on Tuesday night received a mixed response. One resident said the proposals could be catastrophic for the village. Other people said investment was needed to secure the school's future.

Residents campaigned to save the school two years ago after Darlington Borough Council planned to close it and merge it with Eastbourne School.

Mr Farrar told the parish council: "The buildings are falling apart and the classrooms are overcrowded. William Hague, who visited the school on Monday, said he had only seen one other school with worse sports facilities.

"We have our finger in the dyke, but it's getting harder to stem the rate of decline. I'm very clear that if we are to take advantage of funding that comes into the local authority, we are best to work in partnership."

School governor and councillor Ian Holme said: "I believe the schools are absolutely fundamental to the long-term vitality of the village, but until there is investment, they are vulnerable."

A member of the public said: "If the parish council does not even discuss this they are being very narrow-minded."

Stan Holme, a member of the community association, said: "What you're talking about is a massive increase in housing and the impact on the community could be catastrophic."

Parish council chairman Peter Foster said: "We will have to take the whole village with us because it's their land." The parish council agreed to meet next week to discuss the proposals.

George Lawman, chairman of Hurworth Community Association, insisted any development must leave the association with a new, stand-alone community centre - rather than facilities available after school hours.

A borough council spokesman said the council was committed to investing in Hurworth, Branksome, and Longfield Schools - and said Government grants alone may not be enough.

"If we are able to bid for funding, and if we are successful, we may still need to supplement the grant if we are to build the best possible schools for our children," he said.

The council can bid for Government funding for school investment every two years. New bidding rules will be announced after the summer.