Mapledurham playing fields chosen for Heights Primary School

Mapledurham playing fields was among five sites in the public consultation

A new school is planned for public playing fields in Reading, despite criticism from campaigners.

The Education Funding Agency (EFA) has confirmed it will pursue a permanent home of The Heights Primary School on Mapledurham playing fields.

The agency chose the site as it was the most popular in a survey conducted by Reading Borough Council last year.

Campaigners have previously threatened to take legal action if the playing fields were developed.

The Heights Primary School opened at a temporary site in Caversham last September, while its future was decided.

'Valuable resource'

Five permanent options were put forward: High Ridge, Mapledurham playing fields, Albert Road recreation ground, Shipnells Farm - known as Bugs Bottom - and Dysons Farm.

The EFA said in a statement the playing fields were a "valuable resource" used by a "variety of people for organised sport and other less formal activities", but it hoped to address any concerns over the development.

Reading East MP Rob Wilson said he hoped the school would be a chance to give the playing fields a "long-required facelift".

He also pledged there would be no loss of playing space to sports clubs at the site.

The Warren and District Residents Association is currently fundraising to refurbish the field's pavilion which is it said is in "desperate need" of repair.