PETITIONING parents are launching a fight against proposals for a block of flats that would overlook a school.

Residents and parents are joining forces over the plans for a block of six, two-bedroom flats in Whiteheath Avenue, Ruislip.

Almost 500 people have so far signed three petitions to stop the flats - which would overlook Whiteheath Junior school - being built.

Mother-of-three, Caroline Aplin, 36, of Whiteheath Avenue, said: "If this goes ahead it will impact on the traffic in the roads significantly particularly with children walking to and from school.

"It's an encroachment on the children's privacy when they're playing in the playground at lunch times. I appreciate that there are other schools that are over-looked but that doesn't mean it's necessarily a good thing."

If approved, the proposals would include demolishing an ICT building and creating parking and amenity space. On Sunday petitioners met with West Ruislip councillor, Councillor Philip Corthorne (Con), who is now supporting their campaign.

Resident Linda Clifford, 58, who lives next to the land ear marked for development, said: "I've lived here 36 years so I've always known it to be school property.

"Both my children went there. They're proposing a 10ft fence so people can't look into the school but it would be horrendous to have some-thing so large so close.

"I'd like to see the land turned back to the school and used for the children."

Ruislip Northwood MP Nick Hurd, Ruislip Residents Association and the governors at Whiteheath Junior school are also objecting to the proposals.

Objectors have until Monday to send their petitions to Hillingdon Council.

Miss Aplin, whose daughter, Hannah, seven, is set to start the school in September, added: "The land should be kept for educational purposes.

"It seems silly to use land that may be needed to expand the school."