I WAS disappointed to read MP Mike Thornton’s response to the good news that additional capital resources have been allocated to ten Hampshire schools (1,000 extra primary places to be created – Daily Echo, July 19).
The county council has in no way been “dithering” in its actions to manage the pressure on school places.
The Children’s Services Capital Programme has identified resources totalling £165m for new schools and extensions over the next three years, of which more than 900 additional new school places will be available for September 2013.
As Eastleigh members will be aware, subject to planning permission, we will start building work in December on a £6.6m investment that will provide 315 extra places in total at Crescent and Nightingale primary schools.
This is a significant investment by the county council that reflects our commitment to providing children with the best possible start in life.
This year the county council handled more than 14,000 applications for children starting primary schools in September with 97.76 per cent given a place at one of their preferred schools.
CLLR PETER EDGAR, executive member for education, Hampshire County Council.
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