Expansion plans by an Abingdon independent girls' school have sparked a bitter row with neighbours.

One woman has accused St Helen and St Katharine School of "not caring a damn about neighbours" while another resident says it cannot be trusted to keep promises.

But the school says it has received letters of support for its proposals, and will be doing everything possible to minimise the impact on residents.

The school wants to build a new studio theatre and library and carry out improvements to the music room and art and design building. In addition, there are plans to upgrade sports facilities and build a new swimming pool.

But the proposals have angered residents in Harding Road, Rawlings Grove and Faringdon Road, who say they will suffer a loss of privacy from new buildings, which would overlook their gardens.

They are also unhappy at the prospect of increased noise during the day and evening when plays and concerts are staged and the likelihood of extra traffic adding to parking problems.

One woman living in Harding Road, who did not want to be named, said: "It may be a very good school but it doesn't give a damn about its neighbours. All it's interested in is numbers and exam results.

"The proposed new studio theatre is two storeys with a high roof. It will dominate gardens and homes in Harding Road and Rawlings Grove. People will lose privacy and there will be noise from music and events."

Residents also accused the school of not keeping promises over previous developments.

Diana Nixon, a town councillor for the Fitzharris ward, said: "Local people have genuine fears. It's a school with a very good academic reputation and people have no wish to stand in the way of progress, but the school needs to be a good neighbour.

"I would like to see a meeting between the school and residents so fears could be expressed and improvements hammered out."

The school's bursar, Lt Col Andrew Douglas, said: "Local residents will benefit from improved sound proofing measures. We know some people are unhappy with some of the proposals but we will do everything we can to reduce the impact as far as size and intrusion are concerned. "

He said neighbours had been briefed about the plans at a meeting and denied the school had not stuck to planning guidelines on other projects.