COUNCILLORS have signalled their intent to move forward with plans for a new primary school for Theale.

The majority of villagers voted in favour of building Theale Primary School on North Street Playing Fields in a recent parish poll.

West Berkshire Council (WBC) asked the parish to 'start discussions' to arrange for the new facility to be built.

A lowly turnout of less than 40 per cent of voters saw Theale vote in favour of the new £8m school, but only by a difference of six per cent.

Nick Carter, chief executive of WBC, asked Becky Williams, chair of Theale Parish Council (TPC), to make a decision that would give the school 'reassurance' about the future.

He said: "Given the result of the poll, this council is now happy to start discussions with TPC on the timetable for extinguishing the current lease and making arrangements for the construction of the new facility.

"In terms of timing, it is our view that finalising the legal documentation should now be completed by the end of July.

"This would give the school reassurance about the future and provide us with time needed to procure a contractor to construct the new school and the other associated works.

"I hope this reaffirms the council’s position on this matter. If the parish council are now ready to finalise matters then it would be helpful if you could indicate who we should liaise with so that officers of this council can make contact and arrange a meeting to draw matters to a conclusion."

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.