A THIRTY-year battle to get a secondary school built in Peacehaven got the go-ahead today.

But there were concerns by councillors about the safety of pupils going to and from the new school.

Planners agreed to look at the safety details in minute detail before the school is opened.

Godfrey Daniel, chairman of East Sussex County Council's planning and highways committee said: "This is great news for the county. We are going to get a brand new secondary school. It will be a major improvement for education."

The school, which will have places for 750 pupils aged between 11 and 16 and 80 staff, is due to open its doors in September, 2001.

Today the final plans were laid before councillors and received the green light.

The new school is due to be built next to the Meridian Centre and industrial estate and will be equipped with facilities for disabled pupils.

A campaign was launched more than 30 years ago and a Parents' Action Group was set up to fight for a secondary school.

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