A call to increase the number of primary school places in Heybridge has been rejected.

Essex County Council claims more provision for youngsters is not needed but parish and Maldon town councillors say numbers are rising.

Heybridge Parish Council chairman Beryl Claydon has been worried about a shortage of places for young children for years, and she said the expected rise to more than 600 in 2001 was too many for Heybridge Primary School in Rowan Drive.

Miss Claydon said the parish council's campaign had won support among residents, who were worried about the impact of a new housing development on Heybridge approach, and called for a second school to be built.

"More children are going to need places in Heybridge. Traditionally more than 150 children have gone to Maldon, Hatfield Peverel or elsewhere for their schooling, but these places are becoming more rare, putting pressure on Heybridge Primary," she said.

But in a letter to the town council, principal officer of the county council's learning services, Don Parker, said unless significant new housing was proposed there was no need to create more spaces.

"The forecast for pupil numbers at Heybridge Primary School - which takes into account new housing in the area - indicates there is adequate provision at this school to meet the pupil population by April 2005," he said.

But town clerk Helen Vincent added: "We are also concerned about children from the new development having to walk to school - they may need to cross busy main roads unless more school transport is provided."

Maldon Town Council will discuss the issue on Monday.

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