A NEW secondary school could built in Maldon as plans are drawn up to cope with an expected population surge.

Councillors have warned that Maldon and Burnham schools are reaching capacity before thousands of new homes are built.

A Heart of Essex strategy group, made up of Maldon District Council, Chelmsford City Council and Brentwood Borough Council, has drawn up a list of priorities for future funding which include a new school.

Miriam Lewis, leader of Maldon District Council, said: “This is all about future thinking.”