A new primary school for Clacton looks set to be built on part of the site of the existing Windsor School.

Education bosses have earmarked the land in Holland Road, which is owned by Essex County Council, for the £1.7 million seven-classroom building for 210 pupils.

They will now be launching a full consultation period for people to have their say on the proposal.

Mike Barnett, a spokesman for the county council, said none of the Windsor School building would be used as part of the project.

"We are looking at a totally new build scheme on land which we own," he said. "It also will not affect the recreation area currently used by the Windsor School itself." Mr Barnett said if it was discovered there were significant disadvantages on the site following the consultation exercise, it may be the county council would have to look elsewhere.

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, building will start in September 2003 and the school should be open for September 2004.

Tendring councillor Pierre Oxley, who represents the Southcliff ward in which the scheme is proposed, said he would be staging a public meeting to gauge the feeling of residents.

"I am not against the idea of a school on that land as such but there are considerable concerns about parking and traffic problems in the area at the moment," he said.

Mr Oxley said he was perfectly aware that there was a need for extra primary school places in the town.

"I do not think residents will be opposing this scheme provided all the various issues are properly resolved and efforts made to reduce the traffic congestion now experienced," he added.

Published Wednesday November 6, 2002

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