WORK has started on a new £16 million secondary school in Keighley.

Contractors moved in during the Spring Bank holiday to begin preparatory operations at the Oakbank site.

The state-of-the-art new complex – including a sports centre – is being constructed within the grounds of the existing school, in Oakworth Road.

Current year-five primary school pupils will be the first new cohort to move into the building, due for completion at Easter, 2018.

The initiative was approved as part of the Government's Priority Schools Building Programme, which uses private funding.

But the school is seeking to raise extra cash to further develop its sports provision and is proposing to sell an area of the grounds.

"As part of the build, we are looking to improve and enhance our sports facilities," said a spokesman.

"We are really keen to ensure they are of a very high standard, as they will be used not only by our students but by local primary schools and the community.

"In order to achieve this, we have to find a way to raise the money.

"The plan is to sell a piece of scrubland within the school site for redevelopment, as this will generate the income. Secretary of State for Education consent is required to dispose of the land."

Public consultation is currently underway ahead of a formal application being submitted to the Secretary of State on July 15.

Anyone wanting more information should contact the school via office@oakbank.org.uk or on 01535 210111.

The existing Oakbank buildings will be demolished once the new school is complete.

The scheme hasn't been without its stumbling blocks since the plans were first put forward.

More than 100 people objected amid fears the work could cause Airedale Hockey Club to fold because the pitches it uses would be out of action during the construction process.

And there was an unsuccessful application to get Haggas House, part of the current complex, listed.