AN ultimatum has been issued to builders after long delays in completing a major £1 million extension at Studley Infants School.

If Warwickshire County Council and the construction company, Meades of Evesham, fail to resolve the situation this week, the county will begin legal procedures to find a new contractor.

At the moment, half the Pool Road school is a building site as work continues to construct a new wing replacing four temporary classrooms.

A Warwickshire County Council spokesman said: "The project got off to a good start but towards the end of the summer the contractor began to suffer problems that led to delays in the completion of the work.

"One of the classrooms is now in use but the remainder of the project was due for completion this week."

The spokesman added: "It became apparent some time ago the work would not be completed on time and we have been monitoring the situation very closely and been working hard to resolve the matter.

"Last month, a Notice of Determination was issued to the contractors. If the situation is not rectified quickly they would then be asked to leave the site.

"Certain procedures and legal considerations have to be followed should a new contractor be appointed but we are treating this matter very seriously and have been taking every step to ensure work at the school is completed as quickly as possible with minimum disruption to the education of the children."

Parent Carolyn Pym, who has two children at the school, said: "At the moment the children don't really have anywhere to play and some are having to be taught in the school hall. It's chaos."

But Studley Parish Councillor and school governor Ann Wade said teachers were doing a fantastic job coping with the building work.

"I am full of praise for them and the way they are coping. They are trying to make life as exciting as possible for the children at a hard time."