THE TOWN's education chief has pleaded for suggestions for a location for a new secondary school.

A report published last year claimed Reading will need two new secondary schools by 2020 to cope with the ever increasing demand for places.

The report anticipates the council will need a further 1,887 school places in two years' time.

Councillor Tony Jones, Reading Borough Council's lead member for education, believes the authority desperately needs to find at least one site for a new school.

And he expects plenty of backlash from residents.

Posting on his blog, he wrote: "Reading is a growing town with a strong economy and excellent transport links. However growth brings pressure on the town's infrastructure, roads, health services and schools.

"My top priority this year is to start the process of finding the site and development partner for at least one new secondary school and scope out any future needs."

Plans to build a new primary school on Mapledurham Playing Fields sparked a wave of controversy and anger from campaigners.

And Cllr Jones expects a similar backlash if the council goes decides to build a new secondary school to cope with the surge in demand for places.

He added: "While that assertion will need further scrutiny, what is clear is that Reading urgently needs to identify at least one site and a development partner for a new secondary school with six classes a year entry level as early as possible this year.

"This calculation is based on all places in existing secondary schools in Reading and immediately outside the town's borders being full.

"I know there will be those with strong views and loud voices telling us where we should not build a new school, but I would welcome any constructive dialogue and suggestions."