A FORMER church could become a school for children with behavioural difficulties.

Essex County Council and education firm the Continuum Group are looking to convert the former Kingsland Church in London Road, Lexden, into a school for up to 16 children. It is scheduled to open in September.

Continuum has a contract to provide education to 80 young people with behavioural difficulties from three “strategic locations” near Harlow, Basildon and Colchester.

Managing director Bob Hall said: “We are looking at a number of sites in Colchester and are progressing with discussions relating to these, including the involvement of local representatives.”