PLANS for pupils from a special school in Silverdale to move into a house in Nether Kellet have fallen through - to the relief of villagers.

Ridgway Park School, which caters for 11-16-year-olds with special educational needs, had hoped four students and two members of staff would have moved into a four-bedroomed house on Ashgrove by Christmas.

But head teacher Barry Bridden confirmed yesterday solicitors had advised him on Monday there could be a potential legal problem with the leasehold, relating to whether a business could operate from the property.

He said rather than pursuing the issue, they had decided to drop their plans.

The news has come as a relief to villagers in Nether Kellet, who - angry about the plan - packed out a public meeting several weeks ago.

Village parish council chairman George Smith said: "There were some people in the village who were sympathetic to the intention of a school of that kind, but the impact on the village, especially in the immediate locality, was going to be nothing but detrimental, particularly in terms of property value.

"I think there will be a lot of people very relieved to hear the news."

The school had intended to house orphaned pupils who would benefit from the experience of living in a family-like unit until they could be placed with a foster family.

Mr Bridden said with the Nether Kellet plans shelved, he was now looking to buy a similar property in a village in the surrounding area, although he had no site in mind at the moment.

"We will not be rushing into anything - we want to find the right house in the right community - but it has got to be right for our children."

He said if a suitable property came up in Silverdale that would be ideal, as it would mean the pupils could walk to school.

The school has also applied for planning permission to develop and improve the school facilities on site at Silverdale.

Mr Bridden said concerns expressed by villagers and the parish council about increased traffic using a narrow access lane were being looked into.