A MAJOR extension project to a Northallerton school can go ahead, say town councillors.

The future of the four-classroom extension to the Applegarth school was thrown into doubt last week when Northallerton Town Council's amenities committee raised concerns over safety issues.

But an emergency meeting of the full town council on Monday voted unanimously to let the work proceed.

The development was thrown into chaos over how the contractor's delivery lorries were going to access the site. They were originally scheduled to reach the school by coming in off Springwell Lane but this was dropped when residents complained. The only alternatives were sending the wagons down Upwell Road or across the Applegarth car park.

Town councillors were worried about road safety for shoppers and school children if the trucks came across the car park.

The builders, Moody Brothers of Northallerton, already had the green light from Hambleton District Council to cross the car park. But this access route relied on the town council giving permission for the eight-ton delivery trucks to cross part of its bonfire site.

An emergency meeting of the town council was called on Monday night to make a final decision on the issue. Mr Andrew Thompson from the county council's building design and management team was asked about road safety.

Mr Thompson told the council that the project would run from mid-July until the end of February next year. Delivery times were restricted to avoid lorries being present while children were going to or coming from the school.

Moody Brothers will also operate a level crossing-style gateway where the public footpath over the Applegarth crosses the wagons' access route, to ensure pedestrians are kept out of danger.

The town council voted unanimously in favour of allowing the wagons to cross the bonfire site, provided details such as deliveries on market days are hammered out with the contractors.

The Applegarth school has been bursting at the seams due to pressure from the new housing on Weaver's Green. The extension will not only boost the size of the school but will also provide a much-needed IT suite and a secure play area.

School headmaster Mr Al Proctor spoke of his relief at the town council's decision. "Clearly the school is delighted," he said. "The extension is absolutely vital as the school is expanding with Weaver's Green and we are so short of space. I am pleased that the council is giving us the right kind of access that will not get us into conflict with the residents of Upwell Road."