STUDENTS could start transferring to a state-of-the-art Worcester high school within two years to make way for a new city superstore.

The first pupils could start lessons at a new Christopher Whitehead High as early as September 2003, while its St John's site would be redeveloped by Tesco.

The news, announced in public notices taped to lamp-posts outside two primary schools, has come as a shock to councillors and residents.

Derek Prodger, a Worcestershire county and Worcester city councillor, said he was "flabbergasted" the news was revealed in this way.

"I'm very annoyed," said Coun Prodger, who represents St John's.

"I've had no knowledge of this, no notification whatsoever. I'm the first person people phone if they have a complaint."

The notice, signed by Worcestershire's director of education Julien Kramer, was taped outside Pitmaston Primary, in Malvern Road, St John's, and Rushwick CE Primary.

It said the council intended to transfer the 1,100 pupil school to land at Earls Court Farm, off the A44 Bromyard Road.

The council and Tesco are liaising about plans that are expected to be submitted in the new year.

Worcestershire County Council said the notices outlined a "best case scenario", should permission be granted by Malvern Hills District Council, the planning authority for that site.

"There's nothing for residents to worry about at the moment," said council officer Paul Maber-Gill.

"This is just a statutory proposal. Once the planning application goes in there will be another notice.

"If permission is given straight away, then the best case scenario is the school could be ready by September 2003."

Sean Brown, who lives near the proposed site, said he felt his opinions did not count.

"They say 10,000 leaflets went out, but I didn't get one," said Mr Brown, of Bromyard Road. "The first I heard about it was this notice on a lamp-post."

Worcestershire County Council said the move, should it go ahead, would not change city boundaries but there would be a review of the school's catchment area.