A SPECIAL school’s accomodation block could be closed after serious health and safety concerns about it were highlighted earlier this year.

Northfield Hostel, which houses up to 12 students for Northfield School in Blackbird Leys, has not been used for pupils’ accommodation since April.

Now Oxfordshire County Council is asking residents for their views on whether it should be sold, because vital repairs would be too costly.

Cabinet member for children, education and families Melinda Tilley, has been tasked with making a decision on the matter by December 8.

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Northfield School, which manages the hostel, is a special school for secondary aged boys with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

It was using the accomodation to house up to nine pupils per night during term time from Mondays to Fridays, with some spending four nights a week.

But the county council said issues found in April with the building were “too serious” to allow it to remain open and suspended its use.

Consultation runs until November 10.


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