LONG-AWAITED plans for a £600,000 extension at Petersfield Infant School, which include five desperately needed new classrooms, have been welcomed by town councillors.

But members of the planning committee said there was concern among parents, teachers and governors over the safety of children crossing St Peter's Road outside the school.

Chairman George Watkinson told councillors: "We need some form of marked crossing in the road, which would be ideal."

He said Hampshire County Council's area surveyor was well aware of the concerns over safety and car parking in St Peter's Road.

Petersfield Infant School parent Christopher Grey highlighted the dangers in St Peter's Road at a consultation meeting on the Petersfield Area Transport Strategy earlier this year.

He said: "There are about 700 people trying to get to that school in the mornings and many of them by car.

"They park on both sides of the road. Add to this people trying to get to Somerfield and the Square. It would be nice if everyone walked to school but the modern reality is that a lot of people drive."

At Petersfield town council's planning meeting this week Bob Ayer said he was surprised there was not more emphasis on car parking in the plan for the infant school.

Mr Watkinson told him that when the portable buildings were removed the land would be reinstated as ten car parking spaces for teachers.

The new building would take place on the present playground and the car park behind that would become the playground.

The extension will provide five new classrooms, library and a music and drama room at the school.

It means that the four temporary classrooms, some of which have been in use for 13 years, can finally be demolished.

Petersfield town councillors have long been concerned about the safety and use of temporary classrooms and have pressed for a more permanent solution to the problems facing staff at the school.

The new building, which is set to cost around £603,000, is being funded as part of the national New Deals for Schools scheme.

The plan will now be decided by East Hampshire District Council.

At their meeting this week town councillors also raised no objection to the continued siting of one double and two single temporary classrooms until the permanent extension is complete.

r Buriton Primary School is to have another junior classroom.

The school was among those which increased its intake to meet the government's infant class size pledge. The new classroom will allow eight to 11-year-olds to continue to benefit from smaller class sizes as they move up the school.