NEIGHBOURS are mounting opposition to a school's expansion plans, claiming there will be too much traffic on the roads and their lives will be disrupted for the next five years during building works.

The Diocese of Westminster has proposed to increase St Gregory's school, Woodfield Road, North Ealing, from around 400 pupils to 650.

Following a meeting last week which attracted more than 200 residents from surrounding streets, concerns were raised regarding the increased area and height of the school, more cars on the roads and the fact that the application is likely to be considered in September when many people are on holiday.

Clive Groves who has lived in Woodfield Road 28 years, said: "The numbers are set to peak by 2012 and after this time, churches as far away as Sudbury Hill have been invited to send pupils to the school to fill the spaces.

"It will be a five year project which means residents' roads will be no go areas and there will be increased traffic and pollution with cars idling along to drop children off. On a daily basis the area is jam packed with inconsiderate drivers and as many as seven buses can be packed into Woodfield Road, taking up to 15 minutes to clear the back log.

"We're also concerned that during an emergency, the fire brigade or police won't be able to get through quickly enough. The situation is at fever pitch with residents in Woodfield Road, Mount Pleasant, Woodfield Crescent, Mount Avenue and many more roads surrounding the school."

An action group has already been set up to try to fight the expansion plans and the campaigners will be launching a petition.

A spokesman of the Diocese of Westminster, said: "To meet the needs of a growing population, the Diocese of Westminster is working with schools and local authorities across west London to help ensure sufficient school places are available for the growing numbers of Catholic children.

"Although the diocese does support the expansion of St Gregory’s, the decision whether or not the school expands is one which needs to be made by the Governing Body and the local planning authority, the London Borough of Ealing.

"We would, of course, expect any construction work would be carried out so as to ensure a minimum of disruption to residents and that any design is in sympathy with the character of the local area."