ANGRY residents are threatening to delay the building of a new multi-million-pound Southampton secondary school.

education bosses are keen to get planning permission for three £35m privately funded schools so demolition work can begin and the construction of temporary classrooms can start during the summer holidays.

But angry residents who live close to Cantell School in Violet Road say they will mount a legal challenge to prevent the application going before the planning committee today.

Campaigner Delia McLoughlin said worried householders had not been given the legal consultation time to look at the plans, which involve knocking down the existing school, building temporary classrooms and constructing a new multi-million-pound building based round three courtyards.

All-weather sports pitches also form part of the plan.

She said: "We have been given verbal reassurances over matters such as landscaping and the security of the site, but there is nothing in writing at this stage.

"All we wanted was for the council to abide by the proper consultation process - they haven't, so we will be seeking a delay."

Romsey MP, Sandra Gidley, said no resident was opposed to the school being knocked down to make way for a better building - they were upset about how Southampton City Council had handled the whole matter.

She said: "We all want the best facilities for the kids but local residents have not been treated fairly.

"They have not been shown all the plans by the time they should have been and there are very real questions about what full legal processes should have been followed."

A report to the City Council describing the new school states: "The new school is designed to project a progressive and confident image to the community, representing new life, improved facilities and a better deal for the local inhabitants, whilst providing the necessary secure environment which will foster a sense of belonging."

Once it is opened the new school - which, along with Redbridge School and Woodlands School, is one of three such bids being considered by city planners - will increase pupil numbers from 1089 to 1300.

Education executive member Councillor Richard Harris said neighbours to the school were informed of the plan immediately after developers Interserve were chosen for the £35m project.

Up to 2,000 homes were contacted as well as parents through the school.

He said: "Interserve, the developers, are experienced developers of new schools on existing sites.

"They, the education authority and the school are committed to working with the community on all issues, including security and access to the building.

"I am sure that any concerns can be dealt with through normal processes without adverse affect on the proposed building schedule.

"This building is crucial to the education of secondary age children in central and northern areas of the city."