RESIDENTS and parents from south west Burnley have had a first glimpse of new designs for Hameldon Community College.

Lancashire County Council held a drop in session on Tuesday night for the community to see the progress so far on the designs for the new school building, to be built off Coal Clough Lane, on the site of the former St Hilda's High School.

The new build is part of the third and final phase of the county council's £250million Building Schools for the Future scheme, and is scheduled to be completed by 2010.

The school was finally given the go-ahead to develop the site earlier this year after months of wrangling between Lancashire County Council - who originally planned to build the new school off Rossendale Road - and Burnley Council, which owns that area of land.

The new school will cater for 750 11 to 16-year-olds, 300 less than the original 1,050-place school.

Around 30 people attended the session at Cherry Fold Primary School, Cog Lane, to inspect the plans, and speak to representatives from the school - currently located in Byron Street - the county council, strategic partner Catalyst Lend Lease, and builders Bovis Lend Lease, who were on hand to answer questions.

Although the proposals are not fully developed the design team are keen to share progress so far with local people and get their feedback.

Hameldon headteacher Gill Broom said: "It's very exciting to see the way the design for the school is taking shape and it feels more real every time we take a step closer."

Further consultation with the community will take place over coming months.