VILLAGERS have had their say in a major referendum over controversial plans to build a new £8m primary school.

Theale residents have voted in favour of releasing North Street Playing Fields to West Berkshire Council, while 47 per cent of the count were against the plans.

It was a disappointing turnout, with less than 40 per cent of eligible voters taking part in the parish poll on Thursday after tensions boiled over in the build-up.

Ian Pearson, West Berkshire Council’s head of Education said: “I am delighted that residents have recognised the importance of building a new school in Theale and voted to release the land needed for the project.

"It is a vote of confidence in our plans and will make a huge difference to the future generations of children in Theale.

“Now the community has had its say the time has come for Theale Parish Council to come together to formalise the decision and agree to release the land.

"The decision paves the way for a new school and I hope the council will make the decision swiftly so that we can get on with the building and be ready to open in September 2020.”

A spat erupted between the district and parish council at the start of the year after they failed to reach an agreement over the future of North Street Playing Fields.

Many Theale residents believed the land was not suitable for a new school due to safety concerns.

Paula Crawford, one of the concerned residents, added: "Any traditional villager will tell you that Englefield Road is the most ridiculous site for this school.

"It has caused so much division. There is a lot of tension in the village. I understand why the parents feel strongly about this, but they are not thinking about the future."

Despite having suitable funds and planning permission to move forward with the primary school, West Berkshire decided to shelve the plans In January.

Since 2014, West Berkshire Council has been looking for a site for a new school in the village as there is not enough space to expand on the existing land.