DARWEN’S MP has written to the new Government education chief urging her to make a quick decision on the future of a former school site.

Blackburn with Darwen Council wrote to then Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove in July last year seeking permission to dispose of the former Darwen Moorland High School site in Holden Fold.

Since Darwen Vale – which took over the buildings temporarily while work was carried out on its Blackburn Road building – moved out at the end of the 2012 school year, the site has been vacant.

Before that, Darwen Moorland was replaced by Darwen Academy and moved to its new site in Sudell Road in 2010.

Once permission has been granted, it is believed the council will look to sell the site to a developer. And now the town’s MP, Jake Berry, has urged Nicky Morgan, who took over from Mr Gove in July, to make a decision.

In a letter, he said: “I am writing to enquire about the future of the former Moorland School site in Darwen in my constituency and to ask for your help to resolve this local matter.

“Teaching finished at the Moorland site more than two years years ago and it unfortunately appears to be stuck in a form of limbo.

“There is a desire to redevelop the area with a view to retaining some of the leisure facilities and open spaces for the local community.

“I understand that Blackburn with Darwen Council has undertaken the statutory process of seeking the approval of yourself as Secretary of State for Education to dispose of the council’s interests in the former Moorland School site. There does not however appear to have been a response from the Department for Education.

“I would be grateful if you could give this matter your attention and push for a swift decision.”

Blackburn with Darwen bosses said permission had already been granted for the disposal of part of the site. Coun Dave Harling said: “We have been working closely with the Department for Education over the past 12 months to secure approval for the disposal of the Darwen Moorland site.

“I am pleased to say we have already received permission to dispose of the buildings at the site and are waiting for permission on the playing fields.

“We will continue to work with the Government department to ensure that this process is completed as soon as possible.”