Parents were yesterday assured their youngsters will not be pushed out of Wickford because of overflowing schools.

Education chiefs attempted to set mums' minds at rest after a 370-signature petition was handed to county councillor Iris Pummell.

The protesters said they were determined to persuade the education authority to add a junior school to Wickford C of E Infants to provide extra places.

But, it is hoped the opening of the new Oakfield Primary School on the Wick estate will free up several places at those schools which are currently full.

Mrs Pummell, a councillor on the Essex education committee, disagrees. She claimed the situation would only get worse as more houses are built and families move in.

She said: "The new junior school being built on the Wick estate will also be full when it opens so we will have a problem in the future."

Education bosses are happy there will "continue to be an adequate number of primary school places in Wickford".

A spokesman added: "There is a significant demand for places for the new Oakfield Primary School for September. The majority of the demand is from youngsters already in local primary schools, therefore freeing up places in those schools."

"We are confident that by the autumn term there will be adequate places in Wickford. We do not foresee the need for any drastic action. We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation."

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