PARENTS have reacted angrily to news that a new primary school is unlikely to be built in their community in the near future.

The new school was app-roved as part of the planning application for Malvern Vale, off Leigh Sinton Road, by developers Persimmon Homes in 2006 but the ultimate responsibility for its construction fell to Worcester-shire County Council.

The council says there are currently sufficient school places in the town and therefore no need to build the new school.

But Malvern Vale residents group is lobbying the county council to push ahead, based on the findings of its own survey, which says there are about 200 children aged four and below currently living on the estate.

The group’s chairman, Tom James, said, “The group has great concerns about the future of schooling for the children on Malvern Vale.

“We are doing all we can to persuade Worcestershire County Council to change their minds and go ahead with the original plans.

“We are building a real community here on Malvern Vale and this primary school is vital to continue this into the future.”

The group says it fears nearby schools will soon become full and the land earmarked for the school next to the Malvern Vale Community Centre will be sold back to the developers for more housing.

They have so far collected 40 signatures on thier petition.

Coun John Raine, county councillor for Malvern Trinity, said: “Plans for Malvern Vale were approved as a self-sustaining community concept with strong emphasis on pedestrian movement.

“Malvern Vale residents would rightly feel badly cheated if the county council now decided against building the school.”

Malvern Vale resident Katy Pitt, who is mum to Molly-Mae, aged two, and Toby, five months, said the proposed school was a “big part” of the reason she moved to the estate.

“The council really need to take another look at this and reconsider their options.”

Coun Liz Eyre, the county council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: "At this time the number of school places in the Malvern area is sufficient, however, the county council will continue to monitor numbers and respond as necessary.”

For more information on signing the petition, go to ipetitions.com/petition/malvernvale.