AN influx of immigration in the town centre and new development in Old Town have lead to the proposed multi-million pound extension of two schools.

Drove, Mountford Manor, Oaktree and Robert Le Kyng primaries will take on an extra 82 pupils between them in September as a short-term fix.

But there are plans to permanently expand Drove and Robert Le Kyng Primary schools by 210 pupils at a cost of almost £4m so children will not be denied places at local primaries.

The growing demand is due to more immigrants and increased birth rate in the central area and housing development in Old Town, according to cabinet papers.

A Swindon Council Cabinet meeting on Wednesday saw councillors approve the temporary increased intake at the four schools and agree to a pre-statutory consultation on the permanent expansion of Drove and Robert Le Kyng.

Coun Garry Perkins, cabinet member for children services, said: “The decision on the temporary provision of extra school places will help ease the demand for places in Old Town and the central area. But this is only a short-term resolution and first step.

“We have to look further ahead as the number of pupils in these areas is growing. The growth is down to development, including Angel Ridge (off Okus Road), and an influx of families in the central area. We are being squeezed from both sides. But the demand shows what an attractive place Swindon is for families with children.”

From September, Drove Primary in Drove Road and Robert Le Kyng Primary in Westcott Street will take another 26 children each. Mountford Manor in Walcot and Oaktree in Park South will admit another 15 pupils each.

The permanent increased intake at Drove and Robert Le Kyng is planned for September, 2011 if it is approved. It is estimated that £3.6m will have to be spent on Robert Le Kyng to enable it to take more children. The cost of expanding Drove is predicted to be £200,000.

Parents, staff and governors of Drove and Robert Le Kyng Primary will be consulted and a report is due to be presented to cabinet on January 21.

The council has had to organise special drop-in sessions for parents who are confused about where their children will get school places.

A meeting is due to take place at Drove Children’s Centre on Tuesday, November 3 from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

A similar meeting was held at Lethbridge Primary in Old Town on Monday.