THE scandalous past of Chaigeley School is being dragged up as former pupils prepare to sue over sexual abuse claims.

History will repeat itself as the Thelwall boarding school is again accused of abusing pupils when civil papers are served tomorrow, Friday.

Abney Garden McDonald Solicitors are heading a legal case to gain compensation for child abuse on behalf of 20 people who attended the school.

The alleged incidents happened from the late 1970s to mid 1990s - a number of staff were investigated by police.

Teacher Barry Strettle, aged 64, of Stockport Road, Thelwall was jailed for three years for indecently assaulting three boys at the school in the 1980s.

An attempt to clear his name was quashed by the court of appeal five years ago.

Three other teachers were arrested but no charges were ever brought.

Jonathan Houghton, representing the Chaigeley claimants told the Warrington Guardian: "It is a group action against the owners and senior managers of Chaigeley School.

"I am acting to claim compensation on behalf of 20 pupils who are alleging that damage has been caused to them through physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

"We are accusing the school of being negligent."

The Stockport-based law firm has been putting its case for 18 months.

Now Chaigeley School has four months in which to provide a defence against the damming claims that surfaced in 2001.

The Lymm Road school is a residential school that cares for youngsters who have disturbed backgrounds.

The solicitor could not be drawn on how much compensation the former pupils could expect to receive if the case is successful.

A spokesman for Chaigeley said: "The school is unable to comment while the claims are being prepared.

"We express sympathy for the claimants but it is not appropriate to say anything more at this stage."

beckykelly@guardiangrp.co.uk