Basingstoke MP Maria Miller recently met up with Rooksdown residents Simon Bound and Michelle Biggs, to hear about their plans to build a Free School for 420 pupils in the heart of Rooksdown. Both are members of the Rooksdown Primary School Trust, which they have set up to take advantage of new freedoms to start state-funded schools in response to what local people want.

 They told Maria that the trigger point to build a school in Rooksdown was 800 houses, and there were now 1200 houses. Parents wanted their children to go to school within their community, rather than travel to Winklebury or Popley.

 Maria said: “I was really interested to hear about the proposal for a free school in Rooksdown. This has been driven by demand from local people for improved choice in education and I wish them every success with their plans.”

 Maria added: “For the bid to go forward there needs to be support from the local community. To support the initiative, please sign up at the Rooksdown Community Association website www.rooksdownonline.com.”