Funding bid made for new schools

A multi-million pound bid has been submitted to the government to rebuild Bridgwater's four secondary schools.

Somerset county council is asking the Department for Education and Skills for between £80m and £150m from its Building Schools for the Future fund.

The bid follows talks with the staff, governors, parents and pupils of the four schools, together with Sedgemoor district council and local people.

The county council will find out in December if it has been successful.

Positive feedback

The Building Schools for the Future programme aims to rebuild or refurbish all secondary schools across England.

If the funding is approved, further talks will take place over locations, required facilities and necessary services.

Councillor Gloria Cawood said: "The feedback we have received from the consultation exercises has been very positive.

"We are extremely pleased that everyone has embraced the idea as this is a wonderful opportunity to give the future children of Bridgwater a fantastic base to gain a great education."

The four schools involved are Robert Blake Science College, East Bridgwater Community, Haygrove and Chilton Trinity.