Parents in Banbury are being consulted on plans to close Dashwood School and build a new primary in Grimsbury.

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to include the new school in the redevelopment of the old cattle market off Merton Street.

It would ease the burden on Grimsbury's existing primary, St Leonard's, which is over-subscribed.

Around 800 houses will be built on the site over the next few years.

A new school was included when the development was revealed two years ago.

The new school would have seven classes and could include nursery provision for children aged three to five.

It could also have 'extended school' facilities for pupils, families, and members of the local community.

The proposals would see Dashwood School pupils moving to the new school and the Dashwood site sold.

Money generated from the sale would be used to expand and develop Harriers Ground County Primary School in Bloxham Road to allow for more pupils.

Pupils who currently attend Dashwood would be guaranteed a place at the new school.

A series of open meetings are to be held at the schools involved so that staff, governors and parents.

The dates are: Monday, June 13, Harriers, 3pm; Tuesday, June 14, Dashwood, 3.30pm; and Wednesday, June 15, St Leonard's, 3.30pm.

Residents can also respond to the consultation paper being delivered to their homes.

Oxfordshire's senior education officer Michael Mill said: "We consider this to be an exciting proposal which offers the opportunity for pupils to go to a new modern school with first class facilities."

The county council's executive member for schools improvement Michael Waine told the Oxford Mail: "I hope as many parents as possible will respond to the consultation."