Supermarket giant Tesco has started work on a development that will see a new primary school built.

The long running and controversial plan to build a supermarket on the site of White House Primary School in North Street, Hailsham, was given approval in November 2004 by Wealden District Council.

Access work at the school's new site on land north of Marshfoot Lane, Hailsham, started on Monday with the diversion of a footpath.

As part of the deal to allow Tesco to build on the school's land, the world's third largest grocery retailer has to pay for a new school and the cost of upgrading nearby Marshlands Primary School.

The work at Marshfields Primary is set to take six months to complete and will start over the Easter holidays. Pupils will be taught in temporary buildings while the work is carried out.

Work on the new White House Primary School will take about a year to complete and demolition work on the current school, to make way for Tesco, will start once pupils have been moved.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council's cabinet member for learning and school effectiveness, said: "This represents very good news for the pupils, both present and future, of these two schools.

"The buildings at White House Primary School are in very poor condition as are parts of Marshlands School. Out of this deal Hailsham gets a brand new school and major improvements to another all at practically no cost to the taxpayer."

The footpath running from Marshfoot Lane to Harebeating Lane will be diverted through the car park in Vicarage Lane, so work can begin on the new school. Construction firm Kier has warned it will occupy an area of the car park while the project is carried out.

The Argus reported in September 1999 how parents and governors were concerned at rumours White House Primary School could be closed. We reported then that any costs associated with moving White House would have to be met by the developer.

Does your child attend one of the schools mentioned here? How will they be affected? Leave your comments below.