COMMUNITY groups involved in the development of a new school are appealing to local people for their ideas.

A public meeting was held at Skerne Park Junior School to give people information about the new centre and ask for their input in the scheme, which is the first of its kind in the borough.

The school, which is expected to open in September 2005, will be on the site of the existing Skerne Park Junior school.

The 420-place primary school for infants and juniors is costing £2.9m. It will be built alongside a £650,000, 52-place nursery, which will create 24 jobs. A further £430,000 will be spent on an adult education centre and SureStart base.

Chris Archer, early years service manager at Darlington Borough Council, said: "We need to engage more and more people in what they think about the centre."

She said local people had to be involved in the decision making process for it to work.

Anyone with ideas or views on the new facilities, what services they would like to see provided, or adult education courses, can call Neighbourhood House, Skerne Park, or the Community Enterprise Association on (01325) 464632.