of support for the special school.

Hampton residents have launched a petition calling for the school to be retained as a specialist centre for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).

Their opposition stems from plans by Richmond Council to establish two nurture groups for children with EBD and a bridging unit attached to a primary school from September 2001.

At present primary school pupils attend the school for an indefinite period to prepare them for secondary education.

Under the new system pupils would be placed in the bridging unit for a maximum of eight weeks to prepare for their

return to mainstream education.

It is proposed that the Oldfield House site will house a behavioural support unit which will work alongside health and statutory agencies.

The decision has unleashed a wave of protest in Hampton.

Supporters of the school are calling for the council to listen to public support opinion.

They want the council to acknowledge both the pros and cons of placing EBD children in units attached to mainstream schools.

For more on this issue see the Surrey Comet tomorrow.