CYCLISTS say they are “concerned” about plans to build two schools along a “cycle superhighway”.

Waltham Forest Cycling Campaign is opposing the plans for the primary and secondary schools on the old Thames Water Depot site in Lea Bridge, Leyton.

An £18million “cycle superhighway” is in the process of being constructed along Lea Bridge Road. This is part of Transport for London’s £27million Mini Holland project,

The proposed schools will be built near Millfields Park, which campaigners say is “in the middle of nowhere”. They say because of the location parents will drive their children to school as opposed to walking, which will increase congestion and problems for cyclists.

In a letter to the developers, Fred Smith, chairman of the campaign, said: “We are most concerned that the new school design could pose a risk to pupils and members of the public cycling if there is significant traffic turning across the Lea Bridge Road cycle tracks.

“Even though the former Thames Water depot was responsible for a relatively small number of motor vehicle movements across the existing cycle track, it was considered one of the most hazardous sections of Lea Bridge Road.”

The group say they the cycle highway is “money well spent” but warn building the schools could defeat the purpose of Mini Holland.

Group coordinator David Hamilton added: “We feel that building a school there will be very dangerous.

“The entrance to the school will be a very busy cycle route and will see a lot of drop-offs and pick-ups for the children.

“It is not a school that is close to houses, it is in the middle of nowhere so parents will more likely drive their kids to school.”

The site of the proposed schools is designated Metropolitan Open Land. Waltham Forest Council has backed campaigners opposing the plans put forward by Lion Academy Trust and Athena Academy.