PRIMARY schools in part of Swindon will take in extra pupils next September - because of a housing explosion.

Massive development in northern Swindon has this year forced the council to provide three extra primary school classes to cope with a rise in pupil numbers.

Swindon Council's cabinet heard last night that the pressure was continuing, and that by 2011 it would need to provide four more classes.

"It is a case now that we are trying to catch up with where children are," said Coun Garry Perkins, cabinet member for children's services.

"We know there are pressures on northern Swindon but it is a question of funding.

"Our budget is committed now until 2010.

"After that we will take on board the priority needs of the northern sector and look at where we need to build new schools."

In papers prepared for the cabinet, officers recommended members back a plan to support expansion of St Francis Church of England School.

They also said Haydonleigh Primary, Abbey Meads and Catherine Wayte should get extra mobile classrooms to cope with the extra pupils.

It was suggested that council officers should talk to all four schools about raising their annual intake to 60 pupils each.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "We have taken this issue very seriously.

"I am delighted that St Francis looks to be a viable option.

"If we're going to squeeze 30 extra spaces anywhere, that would seem to be the best place to do it."

Coun Nick Martin, cabinet member for resources, said officers still had to find out if recently announced Government capital spending plans for Swindon would mean extra cash for the under-pressure area.

"We will have a clearer picture by the end of the month," he said.

Coun Perkins added: "These proposals wouldn't be here without the co-operation of the schools. They have bent over backwards to help us."