PARENTS of children with special educational needs have said a big thank you to their communities for backing their bid to keep special schools local.

Last week, parents from St Nicholas’ in Chippenham and Larkrise in Trowbridge launched a campaign to raise £10,000 to pay for a legal challenge to a consultation that could see both schools close and make way for a £20m Centre of Excellence in Rowde.

Within just nine days the target had been exceeded, thanks in part to an anonymous cheque for £1,500 handed in to St Nicholas’ school and a £1,000 donation from E J Shanley Skip Hire.

Natalie Stevens from E J Shanley said: “We are a family-run business and have been based in Trowbridge for over 50 years. We believe in supporting our local community and are involved in a number of local charities.The school is very important for children and parents in our area and children shouldn’t be expected to travel so far to access their education. The parents/friends of Larkrise and St Nicholas are doing a fantastic job of raising money for this cause and we are more than happy to support it.”

Now the parents have extended the bid to £15,000 to cover unforseen legal fees.

Parent Duncan Carter said: “We are challenging the council because of failures, deficits and omissions in the process.”