Hundreds of people attended a special presentation organised to give Werrington residents the chance to view plans and scale models of the proposed development at Ken Stimpson Community School.

The two-day event began with representatives from the two companies bidding for the development detailing their plans for the extension.

But during a closing session more than 20 residents began a heated exchange with Brian Howard, PFI project manager for Peterborough City Council.

Linda Revell, who represents residents, said: "The developers gave very detailed descriptions of their plans for the site and although we do not agree with all of their suggestions the talks were good natured.

"But what we really wanted to do was speak to the council, who were not present for most of the two days, about why the planning process has been so secretative.

"When Brian Howard eventually turned up on Friday, people wanted to know what exactly was going on, but he did not give us answers. It got quite lively at one point – there were a lot of raised voices. We are not aggressive people, but everyone is getting frustrated because we believe our views are being ingnored."

Mrs Revell said residents welcomed the chance to share their views, but would have preferred to have more input months ago.

The residents fear a community centre – part of the new development – will be too close to houses. They are also concerned nearby Foxcovert Road would get swamped with traffic.

There were also worries about construction traffic using Foxcovert Road, a narrow residential street, but the council has now pledged that such vehicles would use an alternative route.

But Jennie Kendall, city coucil spokeswoman, said: "We have held many public meetings, have issued press notices and carried out interviews regarding plans for the school to ensure that local people have the opportunity to comment.

"We have also worked closely with local residents groups. All views expressed to officers will be carefully considered."