Anne Main MP has expressed her delight after the Harperbury Free School Trust secured land from the Department of Health in its bid to get a new school off the ground.

The Education Funding Agency released capital for the site, which sits within the grounds of the former Harperbury Hospital off Harper Lane, Radlett.

The St Albans MP said: "This is fantastic news. I know how hard the team’s been working to get to this point.

"We need more school places in St Albans and I’m pleased that the parents who have kept faith with the project will now have the opportunity to access an exciting new school.

"I was as disappointed as anyone when the project stalled earlier in the year, but securing the preferred site was an important step towards this goal.

"I know there are planning hurdles to be overcome but I hope the need for this school is recognised by the council. Hopefully now there will be a suitable proposal that is brought forward and can find favour with the local community and the parents who want to use the school.

"There are disused buildings on this site and these proposals will certainly deliver much needed new school places."