Exasperated residents living near three Braintree schools fear “traffic bedlam” will get worse once an expanded infant school is built.

Construction firm Morgan Sindall is rebuilding the John Ray Infant School, in Notley Road, Braintree, which was completely destroyed by a fire in August 2013.

Plans for the new school, which currently has 295 pupils, include 12 classrooms, a kitchen, a reception area and a new assembly hall to accommodate up to 360 children.

Neighbouring John Ray Junior School, which has a current capacity of 370 pupils, will also have a four-classroom extension and extended hall. It will take on about 120 extra pupils.

Residents living nearby fear that parking and traffic problems on Notley Road, which is also where Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form are based, will get considerably worse once the new buildings are ready in September.

See the Braintree and Witham Times for a full story.