SECOND phase of expansion work at Victoria Primary School in Keighley is expected to begin this spring.

The project will see a two-storey extension to provide a new classroom, along with a single-storey extension to the main school hall.

There will also be a new staffroom and ancillary accommodation at the school site in Cartmel Road, Highfield, and the grounds will be extended into adjacent playing fields with a new boundary fence.

The first phase of expansion work was carried out last summer, ready for an increase in pupils from 210 to 315 when the school year began in September.

The latest proposed work – which is awaiting planning approval from Bradford Council – was this week welcomed by ward councillor, Khadim Hussain.

He and fellow Bradford District councillors representing Keighley Central had been pushing the local authority to provide more school spaces.

Cllr Hussain added: “There is a dire shortage of school places in Keighley.

“This will relieve the pressure, but more work needs to be done.

“A lot of parents are quite concerned they’re not getting a place. They are put in extreme difficulty, with their children going to up to three different schools in town.”

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Victoria Primary is the first Keighley school to be expanded as part of Bradford Council’s long-term plan to meet the increasing demand for primary-age spaces.

The council’s executive approved major expansions of schools across the district in March last year to create hundreds of extra primary school places in response to rising populations and overcrowding.

Also amongst those approved were Cullingworth Primary School, which will increase its intake from 210 pupils to 315, Haworth Primary School (262 to 315) and Aire View Infants School in Silsden (238 to 270).

A Bradford Council spokesman this week said following last year’s approval by the executive, Victoria Primary began operating as a 1.5-form entry school in September, meaning it could accept up to 45 pupils in any one year.

He added: “Pending planning approval, the building work is expected to begin in spring and will be completed by the end of October. All works at Victoria Primary are being financed from Basic Need funding received from the Department for Education.”

The spokesman added approval had not yet been given for further expansion projects at schools in the Keighley area.

Victoria Primary School was not available for comment.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley BD21 3AG.