Protest at lack of school places

Parents in Bristol have joined forces to tackle the city council over a shortage of primary school places.

About 300 four-year-olds are facing the prospect of being bussed across the city, as they are unable to get into a school close to their home.

Liz Haydon-Turner of the Bristol Primary Admissions Crisis group said 8% of applicants had not got places.

Bristol City Council said it was working to try to get all children a place in their nearest school.

New school

"We know the situation is much wider than Bishopston with families affected in Ashley Down, Horfield, St Werburghs, Eastville, Henleaze, Easton and Greenbank," said Liz Haydon-Turner.

Councillor Peter Hammond, deputy leader of the city council, said: "The council is now working with schools to see where we might be able to offer additional places so by the end of April a second round of offers can be made."

But the Primary Admissions Crisis group wants the city council to go further. It wants a new school built to serve the area.

"We set up the group to agitate for a new school on the Brunel site and in the interim we want pre-fabs on a local site in Bishopston, 10 minutes walk from home," said parent John Campbell of the crisis group.

"These children would then form the nucleus of the new school," said Mr Campbell.