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 and the Oldfield House site will house a behavioural support unit.

Oldfield supporters want the council to listen to public support for the school and to the pros and cons of placing EBD children in units attached to regular schools.

The letters page has more on this issue .