The school, Lodge Farm Primary School and Nursery in Witham, was intended to serve families living in the new Mulberries development, but funding was withdrawn by the previous Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. Ms Patel said: "Labour’s decision to cancel funding for Lodge Farm Primary School was a disgrace. She said, on Facebook: "The school was planned to provide much-needed places for families in Witham and the growing Mulberries development. "I have now written to the new Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, calling on her to urgently review and reverse this damaging decision. "Parents and families deserve certainty, and I will continue fighting to secure the funding for Lodge Farm."