Fears for the future of another Thurrock school in special measures - Torells, in Grays - have eased a little, cabinet member for education Carl Morris told Wednesday's (28) meeting of the full council.

In his statement outlining proposals for St Chad's and Jack Lobley schools in Tilbury, Coun Morris said: "This does provide a breathing space for Torells to consider its future; but the message for Torells is clear and unequivocal - the school must change to survive."

The Buxton Road, Grays, school came under threat earlier this year when the council published a review of secondary school places in the borough.

Of five options for the way forward, the recommended one - and two others - included the closure of Torells, sparking a campaign to save the school.

Coun Yash Gupta asked what effects the proposals for education in Tilbury would have on Torells.

Coun Morris explained that he had always said that there would be many things to consider before any decision was taken on the school's future and he called the Crusade for Torells "premature and built on foundations of sand".

He added: "There is a way forward for Torells, but there needs to be change.

"The plans for Tilbury will have consequences for Torells and the school will have lots of options to consider."

Published Friday November 30, 2001