Oliver met with officials from Hertfordshire County Council and the Regional Schools Commissioner, Martin Post, to discuss the need for primary school places in Potters Bar.

The meetings, held in Westminster and County Hall, were organised by Oliver to seek an update on what action is being to address concerns raised earlier this year over the availability of primary places in the town.

Speaking after the meetings, Oliver said ‘I was glad to be able convene these meetings with Cllr Douris and the Commissioner as I know this is an issue that has concerned so parents in Potters Bar over the last year.

‘I contacted the County Council at the time to raise these and understood that that issue had been caused by an unexpected surge in the number of pupils requiring a primary school place in the town. As we know this meant a number of parents were unable to secure a place at any of their top three choices.

‘At our most recent meeting, they informed me that despite the increase in applications there is currently still an overall surplus of places.

‘However, they are fully aware of the higher pressure for places at a number of schools and were keeping the situation under review. If demand in Potters Bar continues to rise they will take action to address this, including the possibility of opening a new primary school to serve the town.’