PARENTS who want a new primary school to be built on the Malvern Vale estate have won the backing of the district council in their fight.

When Persimmon Homes was given planning permission in 2006 by Malvern Hills District Council to develop the former North Site military base, a primary school was part of the scheme.

But Worcestershire County Council has never built the school and says now that there are enough school places elsewhere in the town for children from the estate.

Unless the county council commits to the school by March 2014, the land will revert to Persimmon, and residents fear it will be used for more homes.

Councillor John Raine called on council leader David Hughes to support the residents.

Coun Hughes said he shared concerns about the school and with time running out he was willing to press the county council to commit to providing the school.

Coun Raine said: “I’m delighted with Coun Hughes’ response, and, as I’m also a county councillor, I will be putting a notice of motion to its January meeting calling for action.”

Katy Pitt, of Malvern Vale Residents Group, described the council’s support as “fantastic news”.

She said: “When we started, we thought it was just a few of us, but we’re getting more support all the time. We’ve just started a paper petition as well as the online one, and the support we’re getting from residents is really encouraging.

We’ve got over 100 signatures so far.”