PARENTS were assured last year that a consultation into special schools was not about closing them.

But now that is exactly what is proposed at Queen's Park School in Lincoln.

At the time of the consultation in June last year, Paul Snook at the CfBT Education Trust in Lincolnshire said: "This is not about closing schools or saving money."

The consultation, organised by Lincolnshire County Council, came after the school appealed through the Echo in July 2009 for a new building.

Governors said they had been appealing to the council for five years that the children needed a new school.

The issues included cluttered corridors and rooms, not enough outdoor space and the logistics of the school being split between two sites.

But despite the school gaining an "oustanding" rating from Ofsted inspectors, a new building did not materialise.

And now, what was feared by parents at the time, is likely to become a reality.

Mr Snook said yesterday: "These proposals are only at a discussion stage at this time.

"This has got the full support of the three heads and governing bodies who have worked together, with the support of the county council, over the past 15 months.

"Under the proposals, Queen's Park School would close and building work and refurbishment at St Francis and St Christopher's schools would provide extra, improved provision."

Debbie Gutsell, 27, of Lincoln, has a nine-year-old son at the school. She said: "For the sake of a building, these children's lives are being uprooted. And to think, we have an 'outstanding' Ofsted.

"My son would not be where he is today if it was not for that school.

"I looked at three special schools and I chose Queen's Park because that was the best school and the best place for my child.

"This affects our children and we as parents made conscious choices about what was best for them."

The proposals will go to the county's children and young people scrutiny committee in May and then to the executive in June.

Councillor Nev Jackson said the school building was unable to accommodate the modern equipment required to look after pupils.

But the Lincolnshire County Council representative for Park Ward said he was keen to make sure the site near the South Common was not abandoned.

He said: "The issue we have raised with county officers, who in reality are accepting the changes will take place, is the site is not left to go derelict.

"We have had some problems with antisocial behaviour on the South Common and if that school is left we imagine it will start to be broken into and vandalised."

Chairman of the Lincolnshire Parent Carer Council, Therese Lord said: "If the building is not fit for purpose, then Lincolnshire County Council has no alternative and I am really pleased to hear it is being sympathetic to the children and moving them with their peers and class teachers."

Head teacher Allen Lacey was unavailable for comment.