THE chairman of the Winsford Education Partnership is confident the proposed amalgamation of Leaf Lane Infant and Wharton CE Junior schools will be a success.
Tony Hooton thinks Cheshire County Council needs to review the plans with regards to the opening date of the new school, but insists it will benefit pupils.
Education bosses have proposed the establishment of a 420-place primary school via the closure of the existing schools.
The move would initially see both existing sites used from September 2008, but with an eventual extension of the Wharton building planned.
But Cllr Hooton is urging council bosses to reconsider the timescale. He said: 'I'm clear that the two schools will merge. But my personal view is that the schools should join in 2009 with one head.
'I'm certain for it to be right the new building should be in place for September 2009 - there should be no split-site school. I realise it's a tight schedule but it will be for the best in the long run.'
The headteachers of the respective schools did not want to comment this week, but Cllr Hooton said early indications from all parties concerned are encouraging.
