SCHOOL pupil participation in sports will be improved if a bid for a new Stourport leisure hall is approved, according to a headteacher.

Stourport High School and VIth Form Centre headteacher Liz Quinn has submitted an application to Wyre Forest District Council for a proposed new sports hall at its Minster Road site.

A statement accompanying the application says: "Despite its achievements, the school is forced to use sports facilities and in particular indoor sports halls away from the site. This involves the students travelling which wastes valuable PE time but also results in high transportation costs. It also impacts on the environment.

"Therefore, to reduce the above issues and to increase the ability of students to participate in sport, Stourport High School need a sports hall facility on their current site at Minster Road."

The application was received earlier this month and planners are now considering it before a decision is made.