ELY S newest primary school is set to double in size as families flock to live in the fastest-growing city in Europe. The Lantern Primary school will increase its pupil numbers from 199 to 420, county councillors decided last week. Expansion is to be ph

ELY'S newest primary school is set to double in size as families flock to live in the fastest-growing city in Europe.

The Lantern Primary school will increase its pupil numbers from 199 to 420, county councillors decided last week.

Expansion is to be phased in, and 60 reception class pupils will have places at the school by 2010. By September this year the number of new students will be increased to 45.

Cambridgeshire County Council's cabinet agreed to the expansion in February this after hearing of demand from parents within the school's catchment area, a shortage of places and widespread support for the move following a four-week consultation.

The move was legally cemented by a statutory notice published in April. The county council received no comments, representations or objections during the four-week notice period. Councillors then agreed formally on the scale of the expansion on May 20.

Cllr David Harty, Cabinet member for infrastructure, said: "It is very important that we start planning for the requirement of primary school places in good time. Our research has shown that the number of primary school aged children moving into new homes in Ely is certain to increase over the next few years and we must be ready.

"The expansion of The Lantern means an extra 210 primary places in Ely in modern, purpose-built school facilities.