Bradford's plagued schools reorganisation hit a fresh row today as an education chief admitted a major extension at a Bradford school would not be ready for pupils by September.

Up to 70 pupils from Bolton Lane Primary are due to move to Grove House, Myers Lane, in September as part of a massive shake-up to switch the district from three to two-tier education.

But anger has erupted after headteachers and governors from both the schools were told by head of the reorganisation, Angela Drizi, that the multi-thousand pound extension will not be ready in time.

David Smith, chairman of governors at Bolton Lane, said the parents were now very unhappy.

Mr Smith, of Kings Road, Bradford, whose son, Daniel, will go to Grove House, said: "We are becoming increasingly frustrated about the lack of foresight and ability to put any kind of plan together to deal with the situation.

"It is essential for the sake of these children that the building work should be made the highest priority, but there appear to be no such moves by anyone in a position of authority."

Mr Smith said the heads of both schools were working hard and doing their best.

He added: "We fear play space could be drastically reduced to make way for temporary classrooms, shared areas could become inadequate or even non-existent and children could be denied full access to vital curriculum areas - and then there is the very important issue of children's safety."

Mrs Drizi has written to Mr Smith promising the authority will work closely with the school to minimise disruption and transfer plans will be worked out as soon as possible.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "We have always stated that it would take some time to complete the extensive building programme which is required for the reorganisation and this includes the work on Grove House Primary.

"We are liaising with school governing bodies over where the pupils might be accommodated whilst the building work is completed."

l The Council has asked the Government for extra funding after discovering a £47 million shortfall because the needs of individuals schools had not been included when the bid was put in.

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