TESCO has been in discussion with education bosses over developing a primary school in London Road, St Albans, to ease the shortage of places in the district, the Review can reveal.

Councillor Richard Thake, Hertfordshire's cabinet member for education and skills, revealed to the Review last week that schools must be built in St Albans, Wheathampstead, Harpenden and Watford to solve the huge deficit of school places.

Councillor Thake confirmed today that the former Evershed printing works site in London Road is among the possible sites identified for the scheme, adding that the county council has initiated talks with Tesco.

Councillor Thake said: "Tesco is one of the many options open to us. We're speaking to a lot of people at the moment and no decisions have been made."

Over the next two years the county council will be identifying other possible sites for development, with Councillor Thake warning of development on Green Belt land.

Meanwhile, an expansion plan for more St Albans primary schools could be agreed.