PRESTWICH residents have been assured that their concerns over the proposed relocation of King David Junior and Infant School will be heard before any decisions are made.

Plans have been revealed to rebuild the high school on the schools current site in Bury Old Road and relocate the infant and junior school on land off Sheepfoot Lane, along with a nursery department.

The new primary school would replace the Parkside Training Centre, which is situated within the perimeter of Heaton Park, and access would be via Sheepfoot Lane.

The proposals were agreed in principle at a executive meeting of Manchester City Council, following recommendations from the director of children's services.

Coun Gill Campbell, Labour representative for Sedgley Park, welcomed the proposals but she promised to seek a full consultation with Manchester City Council and affected Prestwich residents. Coun Campbell said: "Since last week the phone has been ringing off the hook. Mostly, people are concerned about the traffic implications and the impact on the park, as it is valuable green space."

She said a full traffic survey would be carried out by Bury Council and Coun John Byrne, cabinet member for the environment and transport, would attend a public meeting with residents in the next few weeks along with the leader of Manchester City Council, Coun Richard Leese.

Following the meeting, Manchester Liberal Democrats have "called in" the plans and asked for it to be discussed further at a Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee on July 19.

Lib Dem spokesman for education, Alison Firth, said: "We know these plans are provoking controversy locally and we know there is a need for a new school, but we want the council to have considered every alternative before deciding to build on green open space. We dont think they have, yet."

The Lib Dems claimed the report was of "poor quality" and there was a lack of other options considered.

Sedgley Park Lib Dem, Coun Andrew Garner, added: "Whilesupportive of King David, such a major development for this important school deserves proper scrutiny and evaluation. These things should not be rushed. It is important that the needs of local residents are taken into account as well as finding a good location for the school."

Coun Garner said he had arranged to meet the chairman of governors at King David, Joshua Rowe, this evening.