Parents can soon comment on plans to expand six primary schools in Watford and Abbots Langley.

A shortfall in the number of reception places in the town, particularly in central and West Watford, means Hertfordshire County Council must find ways to increase the number of school places while ensuring children do not travel an excessive distance from their home to lessons.

As a result, there are proposals to expand six schools, some from September this year, others from September 2012 and one school from September 2013.

They are:

Holywell Primary School, in Tolpits Lane, Watford, to provide an additional 30 reception children (one form of entry) each year from September 2012.

Tanners Wood JMI, in Hazelwood Lane, Abbots Langley, to provide an additional 15 reception children (0.5 form of entry) each year from September 2012.

Cherry Tree Primary School, in Berry Avenue, Watford, to provide an additional 30 reception children (one form of entry) each year from September 2011.

Beechfield Primary School, in Gammons Lane, Watford, to provide an additional 30 reception children (one form of entry) each year from September 2012.

Cassiobury Infant and Nursery School, in Bellmount Wood Avenue, Watford, to provide an additional 30 reception children (one form of entry) each year from September 2012.

Cassiobury JM School, in Bellmount Wood Avenue, to provide an additional 30 children (one form of entry) to Year 3 from September 2013.

Beechfield, Cassiobury Infants and Laurance Haines School, in Vicarage Road, Watford, previously expanded by one reception class in September 2010.

County Councillor Richard Thake, executive member for education and skills, said: "There is a real demand from parents for more local school places for their children and we consider it vital to ensure that there are sufficient places available for very young children as near as possible to their homes."

If the proposals go ahead, the county council said it will work closely with schools to provide the additional classrooms needed and minimise the impact of any building works.

The six week public consultation begins on January 10, 2011, and comments must be received by February 21, 2011.

To take part, complete a form online at www.hertsdirect.org/schoolplaces from January 10, visit a library or telephone 01438 737350.

All comments received will be considered in a report presented to the council's education panel on March 15, and decisions will be made at the county council's cabinet meeting on March 21.

For more, see this week's Watford Observer.