PEOPLE are being urged to check out £60m plans to bring three schools together in what officials say will be a world class science village.

The complex will be built in the grounds of Durham’s Framwellgate School and will also include Framwellgate Moor Primary School and Durham Trinity School for special needs pupils.

Known as Framwellgate CAMPUSc, it will replace ageing school buildings and cater for almost 2,000 youngsters.

The campus will incorporate the North-East Science Learning Centre and will bring together teaching, research and business.

The scheme is scheduled for the second phase of Durham County Council’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Yesterday, an open afternoon was held for parents and residents to hear about the plans before a planning application is submitted.

A display board is also in the foyer of Newton Hall Library until Friday.

Local county councillor Mark Wilkes, who is also a governor of the secondary school, said: “In general, I am fully in favour of the scheme, but we have to go through the consultation process and get everybody’s views on it.

“I hope everybody has the opportunity to see the plans and find out what is happening. I want everybody to look at the plans.’’ Claire Vasey, county council member for children and young people, said: “The BSF project is at an exciting stage and we would urge people to seize the opportunity to take a look at the plans and give us feedback.”

Information is available from durham.gov.uk/bsf and queries or comments can be sent to bsf@durham.gov.uk