Shortage of school places

Now David Fann, head at Kennington County Primary School in Fulwood, Preston, has joined forces with local councillors and residents and with nearby Sherwood and Longsands to appeal for more funds to help ease the problems caused by overcrowded schools.

Mr Fann said over the past few years applications for his school had spiralled beyond belief: "I have now three children chasing every place."

He said children had been forced to go to schools miles away and added: "This can affect the children as they need to go to school with their peer groups and friends.

"Families also want a neighbourhood school - somewhere they have close links with."

Mr Fann's school is not the only one with problems. Nearby Sherwood County Primary and Longsands primary are also suffering.

Sherwood head Jean Harvard said: "There's a problem in the area. We're all oversubscribed."

In Longsands Councillor Marie Milne and parents have started a petition. Meetings are planned with representatives from all sides.

Councillor Milne, a governor at Kennington and Longsands, said: "There are far too many applications coming in and not enough places.

"People power is the only way. We have got to fight for our children's education."

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "We know a number of parents are disappointed because they've not been able to obtain a place at their preferred school.

"Funding is considered when all schools within two miles are full. A number of schools within the Longsands area have places."

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