A school governor has criticised a campaign for a new school in Heybridge.

Peter Gaywood, a parish councillor, was speaking at the council meeting on Thursday night after the council had been asked to support the campaign for a new primary school in Heybridge West.

The campaign group had even compiled a special report - arguing for a new primary school in the village because more and more homes are being built in the village.

But Mr Gaywood, a governor of Heybridge Primary School, said: "Most people in the parish would support this but I cannot because of the comments made in the report."

The report - after a survey of residents - argues Heybridge County Primary School is oversubscribed.

Mr Gaywood said: "It is casting aspersions on the quality of teaching at Heybridge Primary School and the language of the report is detrimental. It is being downgraded by those who want another school.

"The education at the school is of the highest standard and class sizes are the same or less than the Government recommendation."

But Beryl Claydon, chairman of the campaign group and also a parish councillor, stressed that "in no way are we criticising teaching at Heybridge Primary School."

Councillors voted to support the campaign.

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