A new site is being sought for a special needs school in Caernarfon amid fears about the state of the existing buildings.

Parents have raised concerns that the conditions at Ysgol Pendalar are preventing the teachers from doing their job and could lead to resignations.

The lack of space and facilities mean the situation is frankly a disgrace Parent Delyth Lloyd Williams

The poor state of the buildings has been blamed on an increase in pupil numbers, as well as repeated attacks by vandals.

The local authority has said plans to move the school were under investigation.

Delyth Lloyd Williams, who has a daughter Rhiannon, seven, at the school, said the situation was unacceptable.

"The lack of space and facilities mean the situation is frankly a disgrace," she said.

"When many of the children are reliant on specialist equipment to get around, a reasonable amount of space is needed."

Process accelerated

"Gwynedd council is looking at all suitable sites within the town and surrounding area," the authority said in a statement.

Parents have been told that the target for relocation is September 2005.

But head teacher Ifan Jones has called for the process to be accelerated.

The Friends of Ysgol Pendalar pressure group has been set up in an attempt to bring about improvements by raising awareness of the project.

Mrs Williams, who is a member of the group, said: "The space just isn't available at Ysgol Pendalar and, as a result, the teachers are unable to do their work properly.

"Despite this, the level of teaching is excellent.

"I just worry that many of the teachers might leave because of the working conditions - frankly I wouldn't blame them," she said.

The situation has meant Mrs Williams's daughter has not been able to move up a class because of a lack of space.

This would allow great interaction between the schools Headmaster Ifan Jones

Several plans for improvements are being considered.

One is for the present site to be redeveloped and the second is to move to the soon to be vacant Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen Secondary School building.

A third choice is to build a new school on land near Ysgol y Gelli Primary School.

Mr Jones said moving close to the primary school would be the preferred option.

"This would allow great interaction between Ysgol Pendalar, the primary school and the nearby secondary school.

"This would be of tremendous benefit to our pupils.

"The current situation has prevailed for a number of years now and anything that would accelerate the relocation process would be very welcome," he said.