School Building Projects to Go-Ahead

Green light to local schools

Three Ealing schools are celebrating news that their rebuilding plans will now go-ahead.

Funding has now been found for the West London Academy, Cardinal Wiseman Roman Catholic School and Dormers Wells High School.

Scores of other building projects are expected to be approved by Education Secretary Michael Gove in a bid to reduce public anger at planned cuts.

Announcing the decision, Mr Gove said:

"I know how hard councils and schools have worked on these projects and I have been anxious to ensure we can do everything we can, in difficult economic times, to support the crucial work of raising educational standards.

"Planning for these projects is well advanced and we are keen they should proceed without further delay."

Mr Gove infuriated town halls and parents this year when he announced the cancellation of 600 Building Schools for the Future projects set in motion by the previous Labour government.

Ealing Council Leader Julian Bell welcomed the news but said there was still disappointment for 15 other schools whose projects hadn't been approved.

7 August 2010