Two schools in Great Yarmouth Alderman Swindell and North Denes could close under plans for new super primary school

Headteacher Debbie Whiting outside North Denes Primary School. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk � 2014)

Some £2.5m has been earmarked for both Alderman Swindell and North Denes primary schools to improve their buildings.

But one option being considered is to merge the two schools - which are within walking distance of each other - to create a single new facility 'worthy of the 21st century.'

A consultation was launched last year but put back due to the county and then the general elections.

It is now due to start on June 12.

A county council source said the situation in north Yarmouth was different to other areas in the borough which were struggling for space and looking to expand to ease pressure on numbers.

With a fairly constant population and no obvious land for new homes the main aim was to get something 'super duper' for the area.

The source said: 'There are two schools right next to each other Alderman Swindell and North Denes and they have both got about £2.5m in the budget for improvements. 'We consulted last year with both schools about whether we would have two separate primaries in north Yarmouth or whether we would spend the money doing one big one which would release the other school as a special school which is desperately needed.

'The problem is that the parents were being told different options and now months have gone past and it is unsettling for the parents and teachers.

'It is not about north Yarmouth providing lots more spaces it is about having a new super duper school worthy of the 21st century.

'Lots of schools in Yarmouth are past their sell-by date and we are addressing them in different ways. In north Yarmouth we know we have a settled number of students.'

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: 'We want to invest in education in Great Yarmouth and ensure that schools in this area of the town are organised in a way that gives the strongest basis for high standards of education into the future.

'We know that we need to invest in school buildings in the area to support this and want to spend the money available in the most effective way.

'We are in the process of developing a consultation on possible options and will be asking parents, staff, governors and local stakeholders for their views.

'This consultation is likely to start on June 12.

'Due to restrictions in place during the election period, we are unable to start the consultation before this date.'

North Denes Primary School was rated 'good' by Ofsted following its last visit in 2014 when it had 243 pupils.

Meanwhile Alderman Swindell was handed a 'requires improvement' rating by inspectors last year. It is listed as having 221 pupils.