A BARRY headteacher has vowed his school will contest any proposals to site a new primary school on playing fields nearby.

Barry Comprehensive School headteacher, David Swallow, told more than 150 people at a public meeting held at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg on Tuesday (April 27), that he 'had lost confidence' in the Vale Council’s education department, after an option for siting a Welsh medium 'seed' school was discussed.

Residents, school teaching staff and parents expressed concerns about the loss of the Port Road playing fields owned by the local authority, managed by Bro Morgannwg, and used by both schools and the community.

They claimed the loss of green space to an initial seed school followed by a 420-pupil permanent building, accessed from the Tesco junction, would compromise pupil safety, increase traffic congestion putting added strain on the road network, and potentially pose flood risks to nearby homes.

Questions were also raised about the need for outdoor exercise space, and many questioned the location of the Ysgol St Baruc replacement, suggesting the Barry Waterfront development – where a primary school has been proposed – would be a better location.

Derelict land near Greenbanks Drive was also suggested to help preserve the green fields.

Note was made of surplus places already existing in Vale primary schools.

Supporters said a new primary school was vital to cater for increased demand for Welsh-medium education.

Ysgol Sant Baruc pupils currently share dining facilities at High Street school and have no playing fields, limited outdoor areas and a sloping site. Barry Comprehensive headteacher Mr Swallow said his school’s governors opposed the permanent loss of pitches, which would mean the three remaining pitches would be shared among 2,500 secondary students with pupil numbers rising.

He told the meeting: "We will fight them with every tool at our disposal.

"I feel the process is flawed to the extent I have lost confidence in the education department."

He expressed concern over safe routes to school and said the loss of land could hamper any future expansion requirements for both secondary schools.

Bro Morgannwg headteacher, Dr Dylan Jones praised the Council for fostering an equality of opportunity in its language provision.

He told the meeting: "We work together as two schools and I wouldn’t want to get to an antagonistic situation."

Barry Comprehensive Year 8 pupils Liam Petch and Nathan Tanner told the audience they were concerned about the busy road, delays in getting to and from school, and increased pollution.

Vale Council head of strategic planning and performance, Paula Ham said there are insufficient places to meet demand from September 2011, and the council is considering two options as part of its consultation.

The first option is to situate the school on the playing field adjacent to Greenbanks Road with access from Colcot Road.

The second option is to situate the school on the playing field adjacent to Port Road, with access from Port Road. Following the meeting she said: "All available land and options have been considered, including the use of land at Barry Waterfront.

"The council is in discussion with the Barry Waterfront Consortium concerning the need to provide a new school, although no decision had been reached on the size of that school.

"The majority of pupils will require English medium education and future plans will reflect this requirement."

Cabinet member for education and lifelong learning Cllr Tony Hampton told the meeting: "No decision will be taken until the consultation processes have been concluded, to ensure the views of those affected are fully considered."

Comments must be sent to the Vale Council by April 30.

Email Mark Haynes on mhaynes@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk