PLANS have been submitted to extend a school that could be closed before the decade is out.

And there are further plans to refurbish another school that could be rebuilt in a few years.

Warrington Borough Council could not make a decision this month on the plans for a performing arts extension at Padgate High School in recognition of its specialist status in the subject.

Next month, councillors are due to make a decision on whether to close the school in 2010 and move the pupils elsewhere.

But council bosses say the project wouldn't be a waste of money, if the school was closed, as the extension could still be used by other people.

A complete refurbishment of Culcheth High School will also be considered in September.

Poulton north councillor and former Padgate High School pupil, Scott Wilson, said he hoped the plans were passed for the performing arts project as it would further the case to keep it open.

He said: "I do not believe Padgate High will close and I am all for them improving the facilities. It also strengthens the case for the school to stay as it is."

Norma Cadwallader, borough council strategic director of children's services, said: "The outcome of the Secondary Schools Review, including the decision on where a new secondary school will be built, will be decided at the executive board committee on September 11. The target date of September 2009 is for the new school to open.

"In the meantime, it is essential that we continue to invest in our school buildings, both for essential maintenance and to improve them for pupils.

"The work at Culcheth High is refurbishment of the sixth form block, including a new entrance and external shelter. This is essential maintenance and cannot be delayed. Culcheth High has an option in the review to replace the school building with a new building on the same site.

"The investment at Padage High is to provide a new performance space and public entrance to the school, funded by a £497,000 Government innovation grant and supporting the school's second specialism in the arts.

"Whatever the outcome of the review, the intention is that this building would continue to be used beyond the completion of the school reorganisation."