EDUCATION bosses are taking action to tackle a school place 'crisis' across Burnley and Pendle.

Labour chiefs have said there are 'no primary school places' in parts of Nelson, Brierfield, Reedley, Colne and Burnley and have accused Lancashire County Council of failing to take into account migration levels when planning places.

The shortage has been put down to a sudden change in population in Pendle after vacant housing stock was filled.

In August a £47million boost was announced to help meet the demand for secondary places, but community figures warned this would not address the primary school issue.

Cllr Azhar Ali, county Labour leader, said: "I know from parents contacting me and other councillors that there are no school places in primary schools in parts of Burnley and Pendle.

"The County Council plans on birth rates but does not take into account migration levels.

"Pendle has seen a massive increase in families because of migration and some employers recruiting from abroad. This has put a massive strain on public services whether that is schools or the NHS. "

He said he presented his concerns to the Education Scrutiny Committee and has written to Education Secretary Justine Greening asking for her to allocate cash to expand schools.

He added: "We need to expand some schools or build new schools in Nelson and Colne as a matter of urgency."

Cllr Susie Charles, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Schools, said council officers have a good track record of ensuring there are the right number of school places.

She said: "Pendle has been successful in filling vacant housing stock which has brought families into the area.

"A sudden change in population like this is very difficult to plan for and is currently creating shortages in some areas, notably Nelson and Colne.

"We are taking steps to address the issue including carrying out our basic need review for the area now, rather than in January next year, to help address local pressure, and will do what needs to be done to ensure we have sufficient places in the area.

"We will work with local schools to identify all possible options and a meeting has also been planned for later this month to fully consider the issues to resolve this situation."

The council uses data including historical levels of population growth, migration and other factors to plan places.