A CLACTON infant school has planted a border of trees to help shield its playground from a new housing development.

Oakwood Infants School leaders were concerned when a new 16-home development next to the school site was given the green light. The homes are almost complete and some windows overlook the school’s playground.

There were fears that could create an unsafe environment for youngsters, but foliage has now been planted to block the view.

Hearts Delight Garden Centre, in Lawford, run by Keith Simons, donated a mini woodland of trees for the scheme.

Teachers, governors, parents and pupils from the school council turned out during half-term to help with the planting.

Oakwood governor Danny Mayzes said the new trees and bushes would help provide privacy to both the school and residents in the new homes.

“The trees that have been planted are ideal to help provide privacy to our school, and particularly the school playground when children are outside playing," he said.

“The houses should never have been built that high, but what is done is done. The trees are a positive way to help manage this and Hearts Delight have done a brilliant job.”

Headteacher Kathy Maguire-Egan said the new greenery would boost the school’s outdoor environment and help teachers promote the importance of nature.