A NEW school is needed in Worcester to cope with high demand for places in Claines, according to Worcester's MP.

Robin Walker said he would support parents if they wanted to set up a free school to address the lack of school places in the area.

As we reported, 16 families have formed an action group after they were refused places at the three schools closest to them - Northwick Manor, Claines and Perdiswell.

All three schools were over-subscribed for this September's intake with parents offered places at alternative schools across the city including Stanley Road, Cherry Orchard in St Peters and Oasis Academy Warndon.

Worcestershire County Council's figures show 30 children who wanted a place at Northwick Manor Primary School and lived in catchment did not get a place while four children who wanted a place at Claines Primary and lived in catchment were turned down.

Mr Walker said: "Everything to me points to the need for a new school.

"In the Claines area there's a clear 25 per cent demand above the number of places.

"Parts of north Worcester are really well served but there seems to be a peak in demand in that corner."

He added: "I'm happy to help push for and support that (a free school) if that's what parents want.

"I think it's a logical solution to the problem at the moment. "

Free schools can be set up on a not-for-profit basis by groups such as parents, charities, teachers, businesses and other schools.

The schools are funded directly by the government and outside of local authority control.

Mr Walker said: "It would be the quickest and the most direct way.

"It would be parent-led and I think these parents are very interested in their children's education and they are interested in being involved in the solution."

Parent Melissa Jones, whose son missed out on a place at Northwick, said: "A free school is definitely needed in this area as Mr Walker said, and it is something we would like to see long term for our community.

"There simply are not enough school places for children in this area and new houses are going to put an even greater strain on the system."

However, she added: "I am guarded that this is a politician's way of pushing the responsibility of locally educating local children on to the parents and away from the local authority.

"I am concerned that we do not lose sight of the obligations that should rest with Worcestershire County Council."

John Edwards, strategic commissioner for education and skills, said: "We do understand this is a concern for parents.

"We're currently working hard to explore a range of options for a positive solution for as many Worcestershire children and their families as possible."