PARENTS at Chiseldon Primary School have hit back at allegations that their children are being used as "blackmail tools" in a long-running planning row.

They are angry at allegations made by a local resident who has been campaigning against plans lodged by the school to move a mobile classroom.

And they have sounded a vote of confidence in the school's headteacher, John Dickens.

Rob Emmet, 50, has said the large timber-clad block, which comprises three classrooms and a staffroom, will spoil his view of Liddington Castle if it is moved.

And he accused the school of "building an empire of buildings, not learning".

In response to his 19-signature petition against plans to move the mobile classroom, parents have compiled a 230-signature petition in support of the school and the plans to move the mobile block.

Christopher Evans, who has two sons at Chiseldon Primary, said: "Rob Emmett's claim that the school is trying to construct an empire of buildings is as fabricated as the mobile block the school is seeking permission to move.

"I refute the suggestion that my child is being used to blackmail anyone.

"The school is doing an excellent job under very difficult circumstances."

The row over the £40,000 mobile classrooms at Chiseldon Primary School has been running for a year.

The building was bought with the help of PTA funds to provide three much-needed extra classrooms for the overcrowded school.

But because it was put in the wrong place it has stood empty for a year.

Headmaster John Dickens admitted that the school made a mistake in not applying for building regulations.

Planning officers say the classrooms cannot be used because their position could be a fire risk.

After a planning meeting last week the school now finally looks set to receive planning permission to move the classroom block.

And the new classrooms could now be open in time for the autumn term.

Mum Gale Rich said: "The majority of parents just want the building opened and used so children can get the education they deserve."

Another parent, Lesley Norman-Thorpe, said: "We don't care where it is, as long as it is opened.

"I would like to say how thankful we all are to Mr Dickens and his staff for all their hard work under difficult circumstances because this sort of thing doesn't help at all."

The petition, which was signed by almost every parent at the school, says that they: "Believe the school staff do the utmost for our children and provide a high standard of education.

"Support the efforts being made by the school to provide additional facilities.

"Assert that the school does not ignore its neighbours but regularly informs and consults local residents over any issue affecting the wider community."

Mr Emmet said: "I think there is a widely-held belief in Chiseldon about the school and the way it behaves a lot of people are concerned about the way the school behaves. My petition of 19 names is not chicken feed and they are all peole who live right next door to the school."