A SPECIAL gate celebrating a school’s anniversary has been saved as the site is being redeveloped into homes.

The centenary gate at Old Hinguar School in Shoebury has been temporarily removed for safe keeping while drainage and other services are installed in front of the old school building.

Concerns had been raised by Shoebury resident Clive Seldon who noticed the gate had gone missing.

Tern Developments is building 13 apartments and 18 homes on the 126-year-old school site and the gate was installed to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 1986.

Southend council leader Ron Woodley said: “The historic gate from the old Hinguar School site has been temporarily removed by Tern Developments for safe keeping whilst the drainage and services are installed in the front of the old school building. The gate will be reinstated.”