An angry mum has voiced concern about school children leaving a Billericay primary 'in droves' due to an influx of children from a nearby travellers site.

The parent, who did not want to be named but who has one child at Crays Hill Primary at London Road, says the falling rolls are causing parents to vote with their feet against the new traveller pupils from the Oaks Lane site and move their children.

Billericay and Wickford MP, John Baron says he understands parents concerns and will be holding a meeting with them on the issue soon.

And Crays Hill Parish Council chairman, David McPherson-Davies, also recognises the fears of parents and feels the travellers children's presence is putting off other parents sending their children to Crays Hill.

He said: "There is a falling roll at the school due to the high influx of travellers children attending."

The angry mum, who has close connections to the school, said: "Children are leaving in droves. Unfortunately, the school is getting a reputation as becoming overcome by travellers and parents are becoming increasingly reluctant to send their children there at all."

Yet acting headteacher, Mike Blant said the fall in numbers was due to a variety of reasons and not just the nearby travellers site.

He said: "There are a number of new schools which have opened in Wickford, giving parents more of an option of where they send their children."

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "The school has seen an increase in traveller children attending.

"We have also received a number of requests from parents to transfer their children from the school to others in the area.

Published Wednesday October 16, 2002

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