SPECIAL school places could be increased at Downlands School from September, with 21 extra pupils.

The school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs will increase from 69 to 90 pupils is plans go ahead.

Since it opened in 1971, children have been gong to Downlands on the outskirts of Devizes and the school expansion is part of Wiltshire Council’s plans to increase the amount of special school places in the county.

An informal pre-publication consultation has recently taken place which concluded on July 14. It is now necessary to undertake the formal statutory process.

This began with publication of a statutory notice on July 18 and the statutory requirement is for this period to run for four weeks.

However, as that runs into the school holidays, the council has said it will take representation up to September 21.

Comments can be made via email or letter no later than September 21 by writing to County Hall in Trowbridge or emailing SpecialSchools@wiltshire.gov.uk.