CAMPAIGNERS are feeling confident that arson-hit Beech Down Primary School will be rebuilt on the same site after receiving the results of a public consultation.

The findings of a week-long consultation looking at the future provision of primary education in the south west area of Basingstoke have shown the majority of people want Beech Down Primary School to be rebuilt on its original site and at the same size.

Borough councillors were also asked to give their preferred option and are calling for the school to be rebuilt in Gershwin Road but at a reduced capacity for 210 places instead of 300.

Save our School campaigner Madonna Courtney said: "Now we know everyone wants it rebuilt where it is, it gives our case more fighting power. We've just got to convince the county now."

Beech Down headteacher Ann Morrison, who was delighted with the outcome of the public consultation, said: "I was pleased to see so many people would like to see the school rebuilt. It's very positive."

The county council's education policy and review committee will consider the outcome of the consultation at a meeting on May 21. A few parents from Beech Down will go to the meeting and will try to convince them one last time to save the school.

Madonna said: "The main thing is we get it rebuilt where it is. It's better than the kids being spread all over the place. We are confident now we will get it rebuilt."

The committee will make a recommendation on a way forward to the executive member for education, Cllr Don Allen, who will make his decision on May 23.

If the decision is anything other than to rebuild Beech Down on its present site, a period of two months will be allowed for any objections to the proposal to be submitted before a final decision is made.

* What's your view on the future for Beech Down Primary School? Write to the Letters Editor, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YD, fax us on 01256 337425 or e-mail newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk