Confusion reigned over whether school catchment areas exist in Redbridge, after a resident told councillors gathered at an area meeting he is struggling to sell his house because of one.

Brian Hurst, of Queenborough Gardens, Clayhall, said his house is not in the catchment area of Beal High School, Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge. He said of the 128 homes in his road, 26 are not in the catchment area.

There was some confusion among area committee four councillors, meeting at Sinclair House, also in Woodford Bridge Road, over whether catchment areas still existed, with them being told by a council officer they did for secondary schools.

Mr Hurst asked for the catchment to be extended in light of the school’s upcoming expansion.

Members said they would pass his details on to Cllr Alan Weinberg, who is cabinet member for children’s services and a governor at Beal High.