Surbiton parents are livid that the bulging schools near them are not included in Kingston Council's plans for more primary school places.

The Council has announced 150 new places available from the start of the new school year in September, but none of them are in Berrylands.

Local resident Paul Sloan, whose son is due to start primary school in September, said the lack of places in the area had been an increasing problem since 2004 and was approaching epic proportions.

He said: “You have to wonder why RBK pre-emptively announced the extra places in the wrong locations, rather than in Surbiton where needed.

“What was the point? If the object of the exercise was to reduce stress, they failed miserably.”

The council has added a new class at Knollmead Primary School in Tolworth, more than two miles away from Berrylands, rather than providing extra places at the nearby Christ Church, Grand Avenue or St Matthew’s primary schools.

Mr Sloan questioned the decision. He said: “Christ Church has been developed at low density, is predominantly single story, and is adjacent to undeveloped land that has been refused permission for eight detached houses, while St Matthew’s is a large site and has class sizes of 23.

“It’s insanity to create extra places in areas with no history of unmet demand.”

Berrylands ward councillor Frances Moseley said she would fight for local parents by pushing the council for a solution to the problem.

She said: “To be told if you live in Berrylands and you have got a five-year-old that you can have a place in Tolworth - I don’t think it’s good enough, for the community or the children.

“It’s a really hot issue in the sense that there’s definitely an increasing demand, specifically in Berrylands. A lot of it is characterised by family housing and people move into the area because the schools are good.

“Having schools within walking distance is very important for young children. I’m going to pressure the children and learning services directorate and also the lead member, saying this is a real problem for Berrylands’ parents.”

The headteachers of Christ Church, Grand Avenue and St Matthew’s schools were all unavailable for comment.