A NEW school may open a year early to cope with a shortage of places in Old Town.

The East Wichel Primary School, which was originally due to open in September 2011, could now open this September instead if a Swindon Council proposal goes ahead. But the school would occupy a temporary site near the Croft Sports Centre, catering for 60 reception age children until the permanent building is completed in East Wichel.

Tomorrow councillors at a Swindon Council cabinet meeting will decide whether to approve a statutory consultation on the proposal.

“This will help ease the pressure in the central and Old Town areas for school places,” said Garry Perkins, cabinet member for Children Services at Swindon Council.

“It is obviously a case of looking at lots of options.”

Robert Le Kyng was originally identified as one of several schools for expansion last month to help solve the shortage of pupil places in Old Town and the town centre. But an examination of the school site showed it would not be suitable for expansion. Mr Perkins said: “Increasing Robert Le Kyng to a third form of entry would put extra pressure on the playground.

The site would be too cramped.”

Consultations on expanding Drove Primary, Mountford Manor Primary and Oaktree Primary are still proceeding.