THE number of spaces available for children starting primary school in Nelson is critical' and could run out within two years, according to a report.

Nelson will be eight places short of the 428 children expected to start primary school in 2009 under projected figures revealed in the Lancashire County Council report.

The report warns that the problem, caused by an increase in population and rise in birth rates, was likely to continue "for the foreseeable future".

Lancashire County Council is looking at building a new primary school in the area to address the problem but says it must first consult with schools to establish their projections of future pupil numbers.

But the leader of Pendle Council hit out at education bosses for failing to tackle the problem earlier and waiting until the new year to start the consultation.

In the report Ian Glaister, the council's executive director for children and young people, said: "Demographic growth has created a situation in central Nelson where demand for reception class places is becoming critical."

The county council have attributed some of the demand for increased places to a rise in Eastern European immigrants along with rising birth rates.

Councillor Vali Patel, the county council's cabinet member for schools, said the authority had been aware of the growing problem for some time, and had been working "behind the scenes" to investigate funding and possible sites for a new school.

He said: "Pendle is obviously doing well, with economic regeneration bringing more people in, as well as a big rise in Eastern European immigrants.

"There are all sorts of reasons for it, but it's good news really that more people are being attracted to the town.

"It means, however, that we are having to think ahead and look at a new school.

"We are looking at funding arrangements and possible places to build. There is a fair amount of funding for primary schools available, and it's about to roll out across the country."

But Pendle Council leader Alan Davies said action not consultation was needed now to deal with the lack of spaces.

Coun Davies said: "If this is two years away and the county council is aware of this what is happening to put it right?

"All the consultation will not change the lack of action.

"They should be taking action now and planning to get it right so that so that by the time that prediction comes to pass it will no longer be the case.

"The answer is obvious: we will need another classroom."

A spokesperson for the council said: "The authority is continually monitoring the demand for school places throughout the county.

"In the Pendle area latest forecasts, based mainly on demographic factors, are indicating that, whilst there are places in the schools overall, there is a potential shortfall of reception year places in some of the Nelson primary schools.

"Before any proposals for additional school places can be put forward, the government requires authorities to hold full consultation.

"Plans are therefore being considered to begin the first stage of the consultation process with interested parties in Spring 2008."

The boroughwide consultation will involve letters being sent to the headteachers and governors of all schools to establish projected pupil numbers, the impact this will have on existing schools and the number and type of places needed.