Officials warned over Ashford Carbonell school plans

Officials who gave plans for a £3.9 million school the go-ahead have today been warned they could have "blood on their hands" if children have to travel along main routes to get to school.

Jennifer Leyton-Pur-rier, who is campaigning for a seat on Ludlow Town Council, added that having to bus children to the new primary school in Ashford Carbonell would be a "nightmare" and an "accident waiting to happen".

It comes after members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee gave the go-ahead to the application for the school in Ashford Carbonell on Tuesday.

It will replace the existing Bishop Hooper CE Primary School building.

The school opened in September 2009 after the amalgamation of Caynham and Ashford Carbonell schools.

Mrs Leyton-Purrier, who lives in Ashford Carbonell, said: "I think potentially it is a death trap."

She said if Ludlow residents are forced to drive their children along the A49 to the new school it could mean many more accidents.

"According to my campaign in Gallows Bank, a lot of people think it would have been better to build a 'super' school on the Eco Park. People also think that the other schools could be under threat if children are moved to keep the numbers up."

Bishop Hooper Primary School head Kerri Phelps said: "The prospect of a new school building is very exciting, and I can't wait to see work start on site."

Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, lead member for children and young people's services, said: "We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that Shropshire children reach their full potential and it's great that so many will be able to benefit from these plans."