New building unveiled

A modern extension to a primary school in an historic Suffolk village has been officially opened this week.

The addition to Lavenham Primary School in Barn Street has been built to accommodate extra pupils when the county changes over to the two-tier education system next September.

Headteacher Jan Foster said she was thrilled that the extension was finally up and running. The building will also provide a permanent home for Lavenham Pre-School.

The extension to the original red brick building caused controversy because of its modern style. Heritage home-owners in the village were concerned because the extension, which is in the middle of a conservation area, has a shiny aluminium roof, and was initially painted in a bright shade of yellow. However, Suffolk County Council has repainted the exterior render in a more muted shade of pale cream in line with residents’ wishes and has investigated ways to speed up the oxidising process on the aluminium roof.