Parents made an angry stand last night against plans to uproot a school in Haywards Heath.

There were heated exchanges as campaigners turned out in force at a town council meeting to vent their anger at plans to move Heyworth Primary School.

At the same time West Sussex County Council members agreed to hold a meeting in the town so people could air their views.

Parents and residents packed the town hall to vent their anger, with some shouting and walking out.

About 50 people went to the meeting which was also attended by county, district, and town councillors.

Haywards Heath mayor Councillor Irene Balls said: "There is very little emphasis on the fact we are talking about a community primary school.

"If you remove a school out of a community it is the death knell for that community. It is very important for the welfare of everyone the school should exist where it is."

Town councillor Elizabeth Rodgers said: "It seems to me the county council has already made the decision to move the school to Bolnore, despite all the protests."

Phil Whiffing, county education officer, outlined the proposals for the future of Heyworth, which included moving the school three miles away to a new site at Bolnore Village.

He said: "We have a long way to go and we will take into account all the comments which are made."

Resident Robert Wood asked Mr Whiffing how he would like to walk the three miles to school with a couple of young children every day.

Mr Wood, of New England Street, said: "Leave the school where it is -- that's the answer."

There were also shouts when county councillor Joan Gayler said: "We have to expect there will have to be changes in Haywards Heath because of the new houses.

"I would ask parents if they would also think how this resource we would have in the new development would benefit not only the children of Bolnore but also the children of Heyworth."

It was agreed the period for comments would be extended from February 21 to mid-March.

Mr Whiffing said he expected the public meeting to take place in Haywards Heath at the beginning of March.