PART of a Southampton school's playing field could be sold off to help pay for a brand new building, anxious parents heard last night.

Newlands Primary School in Ullswater Road, Millbrook, could lose some of its playing fields to fund a multi-million- pound new building.

Last night, Southampton's education director Ian Sand-brook told parents: "What I can guarantee is that there will be green space for children on this site. What I cannot guarantee is how much."

Newlands Primary is one of seven schools under the spotlight in a shake-up of pupil places in the area.

The government has handed over £5m to rebuild New-lands and Redbridge primary schools - but it is not enough.

The only way more cash can be raised for the massive projects is selling council-owned land.

Mr Sandbrook said: "Five million pounds is not quite enough to build two new schools, but it goes a long way.

"I think the size of the schools is a very important part of this debate."

But mum Teresa Given said: "The children are going to suffer under every proposal, by disruption to their education, larger classes or less green space."

Southampton City Council bosses need to axe 13 classrooms from Millbrook and Redbridge schools to cope with falling pupil numbers.

Last night's meeting, att-ended by about 15 people, was the third of a series of discussions about the options. Parents have until April 11 to register their comments.

The next meeting takes place at Redbridge Primary School in Redbridge Road at 7.30pm on Monday.