A report revealing an increase in the population of children means urgent investment is needed in primary schools, according to the deputy leader of Redbridge council.

In an annual report by Public Health England estimates the number of children under the age of four will increase by 21.3 per cent, from 21,666 in 2011 to 26,274 in 2021.

Cllr Wes Streeting said action must be taken to prevent a crisis in Redbridge schools.

He: “The figures in the report are deeply worrying.

“They don’t just show an extremely high proportion of young people in the borough, but show that the figures will increase by quite a rate.

“It is key that we continue to invest as more and more children are being born, meaning it is going to put increased demand on schools.

“I am delighted (shadow health secretary) Tristram Hunt gave his commitment to help get the borough more money as this report gives us a stark reminder of why it is needed."

Mr Hunt, last week called for more investment in Redbridge schools to deal with projected demand for school places.

Annual birth figures grew by nearly 42 per cent between 2003 and 2012.

In the same period, the birth rate in the Church End ward, which covers part of South Woodford, rose by 78.5 per cent - the second highest ward rise in the borough.

The Snaresbrook ward also recorded a 64.1 per cent rise between 2003 and 2012.