IN response to Layla Russell’s letter (Have Your Say, April 5), I would like to reassure parents that Bournemouth Borough Council is very aware of the pressure on school places in the town.

The need for more primary school places is an issue that is facing many areas.

We have been working to address this issue in Bournemouth and were able to create 6.5 additional classes for September 2010, including at Mrs Russells’ local school, Queens Park Infants.

The government has also now recognised the pressure we and other councils are under, and has allocated Bournemouth £6 million to create further places for September 2011. These resources will be used to create an additional four classes, including at Muscliff Primary School.

However, these extra classes will not guarantee all parents get their first choice school. The policy of offering places to parents living in the school catchment area first has been put in place to reduce the need for parents to transport their children long distances to school and to ensure schools serve their local community.

Felicity Draper, access manager, children’s strategic