SCHOOLS in St Albans and Harpenden are set to welcome more pupils from September next year in an attempt to ease the squeeze on primary places.

The Grove Junior School in Harpenden will take on an extra 15 children next September while Sandridge Primary School will welcome an extra nine students.

The Grove Infant and Nursery will also be able to accept 15 more youngsters.

The decision was made by Hertfordshire County Council’s cabinet at a meeting on Monday afternoon.

During the meeting Frances Button, cabinet member for education and skills, said: "We have seen an increase in population, particularly in primary school children.

"This increase has been unpredictable in some cases."

Funding for the expansions was budgeted by cabinet in May and forms part of the £32.39m set aside for the Primary Expansion Programme.

Ben Bardsley, a member of the Harpenden Parents Group, was pleased with Monday’s decision.

He said: "It is really positive that they are keen to expand the school to meet demand. "I think it is good news."

However, he believes Hertfordshire County Council still has a lot to do to solve the school places shortage in the area.

He said: "It is part of the solution. "Despite what has been done there is still potential that the demand will be greater than the places.

"We are still not sure whether the places are going to be there - there may be a need for more.

"There is an ongoing issue with the number of people in the town.

"We want Hertfordshire County Council to expand schools in other areas of the town.

"There are clearly still some issues for Hertfordshire."

Before the final vote was taken the council consultatied parents, teachers, governors and residents. I would cut it from here because it shows what a lack of interest there is!

Of the 14 people who spoke regarding The Grove Primary school, 64 per cent agreed with the plans.

However, some issues were raised in relation to traffic congestion and parking.

A total of 27 responses were received regarding The Grove Infant and Nursery including 15 parents and two local residents.

The findings show that 81.5 per cent were in agreement with the plans proposed by the council.

Only nine people responded to the consultation on Sandridge School. However, none of these people disagreed with the council’s proposals.