PARENTS will be able to call for answers over the number of primary school places in North Swindon tomorrow.

One of the area's primary schools is currently oversubscribed by around 30 places, following an influx of young families to the Oakhurst area of Priory Vale.

Red Oaks Primary School only opened its doors in September, with an additional reception class to what was originally planned.

But parents who had moved to the area with promises of schools and a community vibe have been left disappointed, with some facing 10-mile round trips to the alternative school being offered.

In April, the Advertiser reported the case of Rebekka McGhee and her four-year-old daughter Cailin, who applied to Red Oaks, Orchid Vale and Bridlewood primaries, only to be told she had been allocated a place at Rodbourne Cheney Primary School.

Cailin's parents, along with a number of Oakhust families, have lodged an appeal with Swindon Council in a bid to be given a place at the school of their choice.

Rebecca Mckenzie and Paul Hillyard are among the parents who have written to Michael Wills about their fears for their child Jasmine's education.

They applied for a place at the nursery at Red Oaks for this September, but were told their application has failed - in spite putting her name down 18-months previously.

They immediately requested a place on the waiting list and being near the top of that list they have now secured the nursery place for Jasmine in September.

"Enough money has been made from this area and the money should now be spent on the area," the frustrated mum said.

"We had no clue it would be oversubscribed. It's been a shock."

North Swindon MP Michael Wills is hosting a meeting tomorrow at 3pm in Red Oaks Primary School.

Mr Wills said: "I have been receiving a considerable number of letters from local constituents expressing deep concern and anxiety about Swindon Council's school admissions policy for the Abbey Meads ward and this is not the first time that this policy has created such anxiety among parents in the area.

"I am therefore holding a public meeting to discuss the way forward and how lessons can be learned from this experience."

Council officials, as well as residents and parents, have been invited to the meeting, and the council's lead member for children's services Coun Garry Perkins is planning to attend.

When Oakhurst was initially planned for development, a new primary school was due to be built, but the scheme was put on hold because of the need to merge the infant and junior schools to build the new primary in Moredon.

Coun Perkins said: "The situation with Red Oaks is that there is a two-form policy in Swindon, "In fact there has been a huge, unexpected move into the Red Oaks area in the past few months.

"The number of primary school pupils hasn't changed radically in 10 years.

"It's more that pupils have tended to move."

He said the North Swindon development had been aimed at young couples likely to have children in coming years, but that a number of four-bedroom houses had been completed and sold recently prompting ready-made families which children of school age to move in now.

An extra 26 places have now been made available at Haydon-leigh Primary School which, it is hoped, will relieve some of the pressure on Red Oaks and the other Oakhurst schools, freeing up some spaces, which will be plugged by appeal demands.

Appeals are currently being processed, and Coun Perkins anticipates that the full picture of the surplus at Red Oaks will be seen once these are completed.

Ward councillor Justin Tomlinson said in April that "in hindsight" an additional 60 places should have been put in place, not just the 30 at Red Oaks.

l School meals meeting - Page 22