HUNDREDS of families who have moved to the Caerleon and Bassaleg school catchment areas may have to send their children to other comprehensives under plans being considered by Newport council.

And a city estate agent is warning that the move could wipe thousands of pounds off the value of people's homes.

A review of the catchment areas is being proposed for the two schools which have the highest demand for places in the city.

The demand is being fuelled by the number of homes built in property hotspots such as Bassaleg, Rogerstone and Ponthir.

Councillor Bob Poole, cabinet member for young people's services, is planning to order a team of councillors to review the catchment areas of the two schools.

Councillor Poole said the team would take a close look at whether Caerleon will continue to serve Usk, Goytre and Ponthir.

He said: "There are historical issues with the catchment that go back a long time. Perhaps we won't do anything about it, but we need to look at it."

Councillor Poole said that in the Bassaleg area the number of new houses being built was causing problems. He added: "There's a huge problem. We cannot just keep on adding and adding."

But Ernie Watkins, chairman of governors at Bassaleg, said: "Things can stay as they are. There's a forecasted drop in school population that will affect Bassaleg and every secondary school in the next few years."

Bassaleg School has 1,730 pupils while Caerleon teaches 1,479. Both schools serve those aged 11 to 18.

Graham Kingston, of Newport estate agent Kingstons, said they receive specific requests from buyers for houses in the Caerleon and Bassaleg catchment areas.

"We get a lot of very specific requests looking to live in certain catchments. Bassaleg and Caerleon are the most noticeable.

"If a catchment is changed it's bound to have an impact on property prices. A change could subtract five per cent or add it.

"A few years ago Langstone was in and out of the Caerleon catchment. When it was in, houses were much easier to sell."

Caerleon resident Michelle England welcomed the review which could lead to her daughter attending the same comprehensive school as her school friends. She is fighting for daughter Lauren, 11, to get a place at Caerleon with her school friends.

Mrs England, 42, of Black Ash Path, said: "Our road is considered part of Caerleon and Lauren's classmates at the junior school are all going to the comprehensive."

The Englands live near the boundary of the Caerleon catchment and Mrs England hopes it is changed in time for seven- year-old daughter Lily to attend the school.