CAMPAIGNING residents are preparing to fight plans for a new studio school, claiming children’s lives will be put at risk unless the proposals are changed.

Oakmead College of Technology is proposing to build a new school building, known as the North Bournemouth Learning and Achievement Foundation Studio School, on its Duck Lane site.

It is hoped the school will cut the town’s number of NEETS – young people not in education, employment or training – by offering a more vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds.

But residents are concerned about the fact that a new access road is planned from Holloway Avenue, which they claim is potentially dangerous.

They successfully fought off the initial planning application and are now preparing to object to the amended plans.

Andy Goldsmith, of Holloway Avenue, said: “The access road is my main concern.

“When the Butcher’s Coppice scout camp is open the road is absolutely packed, it cannot take any more cars. If the school wanted to put the new buildings up the other end and put the playing fields down this end, we would be happy. It just seems they have come up with one option and are not prepared to look at other options.”

And Annie Hunter, also of Holloway Avenue, said: “Residents are concerned about the parking.

“The main entrance is going to be so near to Ringwood Road and cars come around this corner so quickly, I am worried that someone could be injured or killed.”

Executive head of Oakmead, Dr Annetta Minard, said everything possible will be done to minimise any difficulties for residents.

“I have spoken to the residents and I understand their point of view which is why we need to make sure we are very careful to make it suitable for everyone,” she said.

She said a transport assessment has been carried out and that alternative drop-off and collection points will be identified to parents.

Dr Minard added: “There are a lot of things we can do to make sure there are not too many cars outside their homes.”