THERE was a mixed reaction at the gates of Stourfield Infant School in Southbourne to proposals to increase reception numbers to 150.

Mrs Katrina Bennett told the Daily Echo: “They should take in an extra 30 pupils as there is too big a waiting list.

“It’s the best school in Bournemouth and more parents should be given the choice of sending their children here. But they will need more teachers if they are going to take on more pupils.”

Catherine Bond, 35, whose five-year-old daughter attends the school, said: “I’m not sure how the roads and pathways will cope with more pupils and parents because they are so congested. There is also a problem with dog mess; it’s really chaotic already.”

Tracy Chizlett, 38, said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Why can’t other smaller schools expand? Stourfield is big enough.”

But mum-of-two Lorna Bagley, 37, wasn’t concerned about increasing pupil numbers. She said: “I think the school will cope because the staff are so organised. They do a brilliant job; I think more parents should be able to send their children to Stourfield.”

Mum-of-two Sophie Marsh, 42, said: “I don’t agree with the proposals; there are other schools around which are much smaller – they should take more pupils.

“The playground is already really crowded and this will only make matters worse.”