WORKINGTON’S latest primary school has been given a new name.

The merged Harrington Infant, Junior and Salterbeck’s Garth Infant School, will be known as Beckstone Primary School.

Named after the bridge that connects roads from High Harrington, Salterbeck and Harrington, governors hope it will be a symbolic link of the communities.

It was chosen after consultation with pupils, members of the public, staff, governors and PTA members.

The new school, built on the site of Harrington juniors, caused controversy when it was announced.

The majority of the community are in favour of amalgamating the three schools.

The schools are all having problems filling surplus places but campaigners wanted the county council to build a privately-financed school in Salterbeck.

They claimed the access to the junior school was poor and increased traffic on the already busy road would create a safety issue.

Talks lasted two years and when no agreement was reached, an independent adjudicator was appointed to look at the case.

He backed up the council’s proposals but said urgent attention must be paid to access problems.

David Warbrick, head of Harrington Junior School since 1997, has been named as head and the new school will open in September 2005.

He has worked in large London inner-city schools before returning West Cumbria seven years ago.