FOUR ageing schools in Blacon have been awarded Government funding to modernise their buildings.
Blacon High School, J H Godwin Primary School, Dee Point Primary School and Highfield Community Primary School are to undergo major refurbishment.
The schools, which serve thousands of children in and around Blacon, were all built in the 1960s and had been identified as being in need of replacement or large-scale refurbishment in the next five years.
Funding has been allocated to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) to bring the buildings up to date and ensure they are fit for purpose.
In total, CWaC has been awarded £6.7 million for repairing school buildings and more than £400,000 to provide new school places.
Chester MP Stephen Mosley said: “This is fantastic news for our schools and children.
“The extra money for school buildings will be very welcome across Chester and the wider area.
“Despite difficult financial circumstances, it is great news that the government has found extra funds to improve school buildings here in Cheshire West and Chester.
“The extra places this money will provide will help more parents find the right school for their child.
“This comes alongside the planned opening of Chester’s new free schools and academy status for more of our local schools.
“This funding and our educational reforms are transforming schools throughout Chester and expanding educational choice.
“Every child deserves the best possible education and these measures will help ensure just that.”
The funding, announced by education minister Michael Gove, will see councils in England share £4 billion over the next two years.
CWaC was told in June that some funding had been secured and the council has now learned exactly how much it will receive for each project.
Cllr Mark Stocks, executive member for children and families, said: “The bid for funds was made on the basis of need and I would like to thank the officers of the capital development team responsible for this tremendous result.”
CWaC will also be able to bid for additional funding from a new targeted basic need programme for new schools where more places are needed or to expand existing good and outstanding schools.