Fears over 'superschool' plans

Parents fear long journeys to the new school

Parents of primary school pupils in the Scott Hall area of Leeds are angry at plans to modernise the city's education system.

They claim Leeds City Council's proposals to demolish Bentley Primary, Miles Hill and Potternewton Primary schools and build one new "superschool" will cause disruption.

Some parents say the move could mean a 45 minute walk to school.

Jane Denny, who has a six-year-old at Potternewton Primary School, says the morning school run will become difficult even by bus.

The issue of surplus places needs to be addressed

Chris Edwards, Education Leeds

"The distance that you're having to bring young children out early in the morning is too far," she said.

"I'd have to come out at 0800 GMT to make sure I got to school on time with my daughter."

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, the company which runs schools in the city, said action needs to be taken as the number of surplus primary school places is set to rise to 14,000 by 2005.

"The issue of surplus places needs to be addressed," he said.

"Leeds City Council and Education Leeds are carrying out a review and will listen to the views of all those with an interest in primary education.

"We have developed proposals for a number of areas in Leeds and will be holding consultation meetings with parents, school staff and governors."