EDUCATION chiefs have refused to consider a new Rendlesham primary school for at least six months.The news came at an emergency meeting held by Rendlesham parish council on Monday night - arranged after an education officer failed to turn up at their last full council meeting.

EDUCATION chiefs have refused to consider a new Rendlesham primary school for at least six months.

The news came at an emergency meeting held by Rendlesham parish council on Monday night - arranged after an education officer failed to turn up at their last full council meeting.

A school is in long-term plans for the village and councillors and residents had prepared a list of questions demanding to know why it has yet to be built.

Suffolk county council's southern area education manager John Crompton attended along with county councillor Peter Monk in an attempt to answer villagers' questions.

But residents were told they will have to wait until summer next year before action is taken.

Parish council chairman Albert Tiller said: "It feels like another stalling tactic by the County Council.

"It's extremely frustrating because until we get the facts and figures there is not much more we, as a council, can do."

John Sculpher, Suffolk County Council's school organisation manager, confirmed the council are planning to carry out consultation with the public regarding the possibility of a school in Rendlesham, but not until the summer or autumn term, 2004.

He said the county council regularly monitors pupil numbers for areas of increase or reduction, and explained that the school organisation plan for that area refers to growth in both Rendlesham and Woodbridge, as well as the army's plans for development at the Woodbridge base.

He said: "Before it can publically discuss options for developing additional school places in Rendlesham the county council has to carefully consider the potential impact on schools in the surrounding area as well as the rate of housing development."