PLANS to create a new primary school on the site of the current Romsey Junior School have been given the final green light by Hampshire County Council.

The decision to merge Romsey Infant School and Junior School to create a 210- place primary school was part of a review of primary education in the Romsey area undertaken by Hampshire County Council to reduce the number of surplus primary places in the area. Councillor Don Allen, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, approved the plans in October following a public consultation period.

Following this decision, public notices were issued giving objectors the chance to comment on the proposals - no objections were received.

Both Romsey Infant and Junior Schools will close on August 31st, 2006 and the new primary school will open on the folloing day. The school will initially operate on separate sites until the new building is ready a year later.

The purpose-built accommodation will provide the primary school with music/drama facilities, a library, craft room and a 30-place pre-school. These works will also include refurbishing the existing school building.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "When making the decision to merge the two schools, we took into account the need to maintain a primary school in central Romsey whilst bearing in mind the need to ensure that there would continue to be sufficient primary places available to provide for planned future developments in the area I am confident that the new school will enjoy the strong support of the local community and provide the best possible education for all pupils."

A temporary governing body will now be set up to appoint the new headteacher and plan for the future.

Romsey's Save Our Schools campaign leader Malcolm Hudson said it was brilliant news.

"This comes as a great relief to all the families who would have faced terrible disruption if the schools had been closed. It must be good news for Romsey that these schools wont be closed outright. Both schools have made such good progress over the last few years.

"I'd like to thank everybody who helped with the campaign, from the teachers and governors to representatives from the community. This really represents a victory for people power and we are glad the county council ultimately agreed with views of the local community. The new primary school will be excellent for the children and the community itself."