RESIDENTS are protesting against plans to build a new two storey school which would double its pupil intake.

An online petition opposing the plan has attracted around 20 signatures opposing the new build, ahead of today's deadline for objections/support of the proposal, by Bowdon Church of England Primary School, on Grange Road.

If approved the school would move from a two form entry with currently 420 pupils on its roll to becoming three form entry – increasing its student roll by 210 places to 630.

The petition has been organised by Grange Road resident, Henry Donaghey, who said: “If this proposal goes ahead it would exacerbate an already horrendous traffic situation where cars are parked over drives and children's lives are regularly put at risk by motorists.

"And increasing the traffic on Grange Road by up to 50 per cent without any proper council assessment of the situation is complete madness."

Mr Donaghey said the residents also had particular concerns at the way in which some land adjoining the school, and used by both Bowdon Cricket Hockey and Squash Club and Hale United Junior Football Club, would be permanently fenced off.

The proposal includes cycle and scooter parking, an internal access road with drop off area and formation of new vehicular access with associated security barriers.

Bowdon CoE headteacher, Sharon Martin, said four walking buses would be in operation as would a new drop off area in the school following the new development, which served mainly local children She added: "A false view of the planning proposal is being presented by some neighbours, even though we have the full support of many.

“In addition, sensible and realistic plans are in place for improvements to the traffic.

“Half of the current field is to be retained for community sporting and leisure use. It is simply not true to say that the field will be lost forever.”

As Messenger went to press we were awaiting a comment from Trafford Council to explaining if a traffic survey had been carried out.

ends The petition can be signed here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bowdon-church-school-expansion?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send%2Bto%2BFriend

*Please note the deadline for objections is Thursday, June 26