EDUCATION chiefs have given the green light to amalgamate two primary schools in Princes Risborough.

The Schools Organisation Committee gave the go-ahead on April 25 to merge Berryfield Infant School, Berryfield Road, and Icknield Junior School, Wellington Avenue.

Members of the committee, made up of representatives of the local education authority, religious school groups and post-16 education, agreed that the new school, of 360 places for pupils aged four to 11 years, would be at the site of Icknield School and open on January 1, 2002.

Buckinghamshire County Council wanted the schools to amalgamate to help children settle as possible as it believes that changing schools can hinder a child's education by up to nine months.

But there was an objection to the proposal by resident Jack Phillips, of the Fairway, Princes Risborough.

In a letter to the council, he complained that there should be extra school places on the two sites with there being proposals to build 300 more houses in Princes Risborough.

Mr Phillips added: "This subject needs a more thorough airing and the public ought to be given the opportunity to debate it fully."

But head of school organisation at the county council David Ayres said that there were still adequate places at Princes Risborough schools and the council had followed correct procedures in informing the public.

Statutory notices had been published informing interested parties of the council's proposals.

John Mason, chairman of governors of the body set up to oversee the amalgamation, said: "The decision means we can go along with confidence."