PLANS for a new £8m primary school in Theale may have to be stalled if the parish council fails to release the land in time.

Villagers voted in favour of the new school in March, but West Berkshire Council (WBC) is becoming increasingly concerned about the prospect of completing the 420-place school in time for 2020.

A lowly turnout of less than 40 per cent of voters saw Theale vote in favour of the new school, but only by a difference of six per cent after months of division.

WBC said the parish council needs release the lease for North Street Playing Fields by the end of July to prevent the plans from being disrupted.

Councillor Alan Macro (Theale) said: "I am sure they [Theale Parish Council] will say they are still waiting for legal advice, but it is hard to suspect that they are not deliberately stalling.

"They didn't exactly move quickly before the vote and by doing this they are putting the plans at risk by dragging their heels.

"There was quite a lot of division before the poll. Some people just did not like the idea of anything being built on the playing fields, while other people were concerned about the need for more housing, but we will have more houses in Theale in the future come what may.

"I am still hopeful that the parish council will meet that deadline. This deadline is vital for achieving what needs to be done."

Nick Carter, chief executive of WBC, asked Becky Williams, chair of the parish council, to make a decision that would give the existing school 'reassurance' about the future after the parish poll.

Many Theale residents believed the land was not suitable for a new school due to safety concerns and the loss of recreational space.

A spokesman for WBC added: "Plans for a new school in Theale look increasingly uncertain with one month to go before a decision on the project is made.

"Despite a parish poll in favour of the school in March, Theale Parish Council have still not committed to releasing its lease of land needed for the school.

"A decision on the new Theale school needs to be made by the end of July so that parents applying for school places know where they will be."

Cllr Williams was approached for comment.