There is a point at which delays and inefficiencies can no longer be explained or excused.

And that point has surely been reached with regard to the new primary school on the edge of Gloucestershire cricket ground.

The new school will not be ready for next September. Instead, a reception class will be set up elsewhere on a temporary basis.

Initially there was a suggestion that this was going to be run as part of Bishop Road school.

But its governors refused.

Now the Liberal Democrats are hoping another neighbouring school will agree to take it on.

Meanwhile, the parents living in and around the site of the new school have been left wondering what on earth is going on. No one at the council has kept them properly informed. And they have a matter of days left before they have to apply for a place at school for next year.

Starting school is an important time for every child and their parents.

Blame politicians if you like, for they have certainly not helped the situation. But what about the highly paid officers at the council?

Are they really so poor at their jobs that they can allow this situation to go unresolved up the eleventh hour?

They are paid to ensure that Bristol children have places at schools in the city. Last year, we ended up with 500 youngsters not knowing what schools they would be attending and the threat of some even being bussed across the city. This year, we have the prospect of children starting their school lives in a temporary building or borrowed classroom at another school.

Isn't it time that people, whether they are officers or councillors responsible for this mess, considered resigning?