PROPOSALS for a new school in Crayford have been put before parents and residents.

Bexley Council hopes to create a new academy in Iron Mill Lane, on the site of the old Crayford School, in conjunction with two education trusts.

A public meeting at Barnes Cray Primary School, which will be incorporated into the new academy, gave people the chance to hear about the plans and to ask questions.

Among the speakers were representatives from the two trusts, Haberdashers’ Aske’s and Temple Grove.

Residents living near the site expressed their concern about the closeness of the proposed new school buildings to their homes.

They also fear the school would attract young people who would hang around in their streets.

Bexley Council cabinet member for schools Councillor Simon Windle told residents the school plans would go through the usual planning procedures, when they would be able to make objections.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation chief executive Elizabeth Sidwell said it had recently built a new school in a similar residential area, She said the federation was keen to work closely with the community.

And she added pupils would be expected to respect the school’s neighbours.

Many parents were supportive of the plans, which will accommodate children from the age of three to 19.

If the proposals go ahead, Barnes Cray will reopen next September as part of the new Crayford Academy.

The secondary school would open in September 2010 with around 180 Year 7 pupils.

New school buildings are scheduled to be completed by 2011.

The academy would have two entrances, one in Iron Mill Lane and the other in Slade Green to honour promises children from there will get equal priority for places.

But people from Slade Green are still doubtful about the plans because of the lack of detail.

The Slade Green Forum is hosting a meeting on December 4, when the new school will be discussed.

Erith School, whose partnership with the academy was ruled out by the Government, expressed fears it could reduce the number of A-level students at Erith, although it accepted the need for a new school.

Cllr Windle said: “It was encouraging to hear from so many parents keen to see the new school.

“It was equally important to hear from residents.

“We understand their concerns and have made a commitment to keep people informed during the planning process, to listen to their concerns and develop a design which minimises the localised impact.”