PART of a former Park and Ride site will be sold to the Government to pave the way for a new school.

City councillors voted to sell three acres of the five-acre property, in Perdiswell, Worcester, at a closed meeting on Tuesday.

The Rivers Church of England Academy Trust will run the 420-pupil North Worcester Primary Academy and parents hope it will alleviate pressures on school places in the area.

Cllr James Stanley, who represents Claines, said: "It's very positive news. I think it's definitely the way forward.

"When I've spoken to residents over the course of the last 18 months or so it's been an issue that's been raised on the door step on countless occasions.

"There's been considerable pressure on existing local schools - that has been public knowledge for some time.

"Families have been so inconvenienced because of issues of shifting [catchment] areas. Northwick Manor simply couldn't sustain the temporary arrangements indefinitely.

"At the moment we are at that crossroads in the process where the logistics will become apparent in the coming weeks or months."

Cllr Stanley said the location of the new school should solve the current catchment issues.

He also praised his fellow ward member Andy Stafford for campaigning in favour of the new school.

Cllr Stafford said: "I’m delighted that the committee approved the recommendation last night.

“Hopefully council officers can now quickly negotiate the sale of the land to the Government so that the building of this much needed new primary school can progress without further delay."

The councillor previously said: "You have children travelling across the city to go to schools.

"The school has been given permission and the go-ahead by the Government but finding the right site was the next big challenge.

"This site makes perfect sense as it has good links onto the main road. It saves pressure being put on green belt land or playing fields.

"It’s good news for the city. All young children should be able to go to a school near where they live."

Kate Brunt, CEO of The Rivers Church of England Academy Trust, thanks the city council, the local community and parents for their support.

She said: “We are delighted with the positive news in securing the former Park and Ride site for North Worcester Primary Academy. 

“This is a great step forward to securing school places for all primary children living in this area.”

The Trust also runs the popular Northwick Manor Primary School, which was forced to take on an extra class last year due to pressures on places.

There will be 26 full-time nursery places at the school.

Worcester City Council will sell the land to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.