WORK on a new school in Poundbury is set to be delayed by about three months following a change of contractor.

A new school site for Damers First School, which had been due to open in September 2016, is now expected to open in spring 2017.

Parents were informed of the delay after Paul Scothern, from Children’s Services at Dorset County Council, sent them a letter.

In the letter, Mr Scothern said whilst the levelling of the area had been completed the County Council was unable to reach an agreement with the same contractor to start carrying out the main works.

Mr Scothern said fresh prices have had to be obtained and contract details have also had to be revised.

The Echo reported in October last year how plans for the new school had been given the green light by councillors.

Damers First School will relocate to Liscombe Street, moving on from their current site on Damers Road in Dorchester.

The new school site will cater for 600 pupils and comprise 20 classrooms, as well as a playing field, sports court and playground.

Confirming the delay, Mr Scothern said in a statement: “We apologise for the delay to this project but we are confident that the new premises, offering good value for money and the best possible facilities for the children, will be ready for use during the spring term of 2017.

“We were unable to agree a contract sum for the construction of the school with the appointed contractor and therefore we have terminated their involvement in the project.

"We could not have foreseen this situation arising when the contractor was initially appointed to the project, but we acted quickly to appoint an alternative contractor.

“The original programme for the school was for construction work to have started once the site was levelled and for the project to be completed in June/July 2016, which would have allowed the school to open in September.

“With the change in contractor this has put that programme back by about three months, so it is currently anticipated work will start on site towards the end of October 2015 and run through to the end of next year.

"We will work with the school to find the most appropriate time for them to move to the new site."

Margaret Morrissey, from Parents Outloud, said she was concerned about the council’s ability to bring the project to a conclusion within an agreed time.

She said: “Just when you think after all the incredible work that many people have done to get the school we need we get to, the final point where the base of the school is in and the council somehow have a huge difficulty over payment with the contractor.”

Ms Morrissey said several parents had been in touch with her as a result of the letter.

She said: “All I’m interested in now is getting this school open in the least possible time for the children. It should be September 2016, not spring 2017.”