THE news of two free schools coming to Swindon has been welcomed by Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidates for the town.

But Anne Snelgrove, the prospective candidate for South Swindon, and North Swindon counterpart Mark Dempsey, said they would press for the schools to open in 2016, not 2017 as planned.

This week Labour announced it would honour any plans already in place for free schools. On Monday it was announced Swindon would benefit from two free schools, with bids from the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust and New College being backed by the Government.

Mrs Snelgrove said: “I am very disappointed that the Government continues to waste money on its free schools programme, which we already have seen has funnelled resources towards areas which are not as in need as others.

“At this late stage in the planning for a new free school in South Swindon the site is still yet to be identified, creating massive uncertainty for local parents.

“The proposed site is close to two excellent schools – running the risk of pulling students away from already thriving schools. I am very concerned that new schools need to create spaces where they are needed most, which does not always seem to be the case.”

Mr Dempsey said he was pleased with the decision but said the schools should open sooner.

“We need new school places now – 44 per cent of schools in Swindon are full. That’s why I will press for the school to open in 2016,” he said.