A group of mothers have joined forces after their children were refused places at a local infant school - despite having brothers and sisters already there.
The mums are upset after their children were turned down for places at Quilter's Infant School, in Laindon Road, Billericay.
The parents, who live on the edge of the school's catchment area, say they are being denied not only the chance to have their children educated with their siblings, but also the opportunity to walk their children to school.
One of the campaign leaders - who did not want to be identified - said: "All of us chose this school as it is our nearest school and we all feel that is an important part of a child's day to walk to school without having to negotiate busy roads."
An Essex County Council spokesman said: "Our policy is to give priority to parents living within the catchment area with other children already at the school."
The group has been given leave to appeal over the decision to refuse places to the younger brothers and sisters.
Published Wednesday, May 28, 2003
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