Bristol's ruling Liberal Democrats have moved to reassure parents about primary places in north central Bristol following concerns over a promised new school.

But opposition councillors say the fresh uncertainty over reception classes for next year is a shambles that is letting down families in the area.

A new 210-place primary school – planned for September 2010 on a site known as the Brunel field next to City of Bristol College in Ashley Down – was one of the key planks of the Lib Dems' campaign, that led to the party winning control of the city council in June.

But the Post revealed yesterday there is not enough time for a stand-alone school to be set up for the next academic year.

Furthermore, hopes that classes could be run by Bishop Road Primary School as an 'annex' have been dashed. This means that the council must find another school to lead and manage the new primary, which has not yet been built.

The authority put out a statement last night, saying it was actively working with schools in north Bristol to find a solution.

"The city council is confident that the new facilities will be built and that effective arrangements will be made to run them," it said.

"We recognise that this is an unsettled situation for some parents, who are now applying for reception places for September 2010 in the Bishopston area. Our advice is to wait until we are able to offer advice about the facility," it said.

Councillor Sean Beynon, Labour's education spokesman, said it was a "shambles".

"It was always going to be a tall order to build a school for next September on that site, but it was one of their flagship election policies and parents who voted Lib Dem on that basis are going to be understandably annoyed," he said.

Tory education spokesman Councillor Peter Abraham said it was extremely disappointing that problems were already appearing over primary school provision for next year, after the recent debacle when hundreds were not offered places at the right time.

"I was given an absolute assurance that there would not be a repeat. Parents yet again will be losing confidence in us being able to provide a proper education for their children," he added.

Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, the cabinet councillor for schools, said: "The schedule is tight but the council is on target to deliver a new building on the new site for September 2010. This facility is necessary to offer places to local children and I am sure the community in Bishopston will support us in our efforts to provide those places."

Parents who have already submitted an application that includes the Brunel field option will receive a letter from the school admissions team, asking them to confirm their preferences.

Those who have not yet applied are advised to wait for further information, which is promised well in advance of the October 23 deadline.