CONCERNS have been raised over the ability of Halstead’s primary schools to cope with the expansion of the town.

With nearly 300 homes set to be built off Oak Road and several more developments in the pipeline, councillors want reassurance that Halstead schools will have enough places.

However, County Hall has no plans to expand any town schools.

The upcoming school year has 13 surplus spaces in reception classes, but there is an expected deficit of 10 to 12 places for the 2017/18 school year.

Essex County Council has reserved a site for a school off Ravens Avenue, but at the moment there is no plan to use the site.

Some Halstead youngsters go to schools outside the town, while the birth rate in the area is currently falling, leading Essex County Council to believe there is sufficient school places.

Ray Gooding, councillor responsible for education, attended Monday’s Town Council meeting in order to reassure councillors.

Town clerk, Sarah Greatorex, said on behalf of the Town Council: “It was helpful that he was able to clarify how the schools within our area are managed. With the amount of new housing that will be coming into Halstead, Halstead Town Council is concerned if our schools can accommodate new families.

“The research done by Essex County Council has to some extent allayed our fears. However, we (HTC) will be keeping a close eye on this matter.

We have very good schools within Halstead, and wish to keep that standard up if not improve, making sure there are enough places for everyone.”

Mr Gooding said: “Current pupil forecasts for the area indicate that there will be sufficient primary school places within Halstead for the foreseeable future.

"If projected numbers rise options to increase provision in the town will be explored.”