Rochdale's schools escape cuts to Building Schools for the Future Scheme

Rochdale Borough Schools have breathed a sigh of relief after hearing that a £190million rebuilding programme will still be going ahead.

It comes after the Government this week announced cuts to the national Building Schools for the Future Fund (BSF) scheme. But saved from the list of scrapped projects were the 19 secondary and primary schools due to be rebuilt or refurbished in Rochdale over the next 10 years.

Nationally, 715 school revamps will be scrapped, which the Government hopes will save it about £1bn a year. A total of 706 projects will go ahead. They, like Rochdale's, had reached a stage that was advanced enough for them to continue.

The contract for the scheme was signed back in January of this year.

Leader of Rochdale Council Irene Davidson said the Government's announcement was "fantastic news for the Borough's schools."

She said: "Good schools are fundamental for good education and for that they need good infrastructure. It's great to see the transformation of education is still firmly on track in the borough. This investment will make a huge difference for all our pupils, teachers and local communities.

She added: "It's good to see that the Government have recognised that Rochdale is a town which needs investment and has the capacity to deliver great educational facilities for its communities. This approval now means we can go ahead with our plans."