WINSFORD High Street Community Primary School will become one of the largest capacity primary schools in west Cheshire if council proposals are passed.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) is proposing to expand the capacity of six of its schools.

Winsford High Street Primary, in High Street, is one of the six schools chosen by CWAC to be expanded and would become one of the largest in the borough, going from 420 places to 525.

The average capacity for CWAC-operated primary schools is 220 according to government statistics from 2015.

A consultation period is now active and if the outcome is supportive of the proposals, the additional capacity would be available from the next intake in September 2017.

The council cited ‘steeply increased birth rates’ and ‘ambitious housing targets’ as reasons for the need to expand the schools.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Finding room for all the extra places we need is a real challenge but one we are determined to meet in the best way possible.

“This consultation will give people in the community the chance to have their say on the plans to provide much needed additional school places close to home for children.”

The proposals to increase Winsford High Street to 525 would see each school year increase from 60 children per year to 75.

An open consultation event is scheduled to be held at the school on Thursday, October 6, from 3pm to 6pm.

The other schools proposed for increased capacity are, Cuddington Primary School (210 to 315), Farndon Primary School (210 to 315), Tarporley Church of England Primary School (210 to 315), Tattenhall Park Primary School (210 to 315), and Winnington Park Community Primary School (210 to 420).

Residents can make their thoughts known or have their questions answered by emailing schoolplanningandpolicy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk; or by going to the ‘consultation’ pages on the council website cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.