ONE of the county's biggest schools will be brand new by 2005. Government gave the go-ahead to a £14 million move for Hereford's Whitecross High this week - at the third time of asking.

The school, with around 830 pupils on the roll, has long been recognised as having outgrown its present home, but two previous attempts at re-location have been turned down. Then, as now, Three Elms was a likely destination - subject to planning permission.

Confirmation of success for the latest submission came on Monday. It will be a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project with the chosen contractor constructing the school and providing services such as cleaning, caretaking and grounds maintenance under a 25-year agreement.

As envisaged, the new Whitecross will be big enough to take 900 pupils and serve the surrounding community as a childcare and adult learning centre.

The existing school, laid out off Baggally Street, will be operational until August 2005, by when pupils will transfer to the new school. Its former site will then be available for 'alternative use' though the playing fields are expected to remain a recreational amenity.