Schools to get £2 million cash boost

Chyngton and Cradle Hill schools have both been named on a shortlist of 10 schools which urgently need to be modernised. They could both receive 2 million each over the next two years.

On Tuesday, East Sussex County Council earmarked them as being in dire need of 'remodelling or refurbishment', and hopes to get government approval in October this year.

If the plan is rubber stamped, work could begin in April 2009.

Cllr Keith Glazer said: 'The schools we have identified so far are the ones we have assessed as having the greatest need where the improvement work can be delivered in the timescales.'

Chyngton School has said it needs four new classrooms and a second hall with an additional classroom, to replace five outdoor 'temporary' huts, one of which is more than 44 years old.

Jon Anniss, the headteacher, said: 'It's more positive news than we have had in the past but I will wait to see what exactly comes forward and I await a lot more information from the county council.

'I am very pleased that our name appears on the list and we will wait and see what we can do with whatever funds are available.'

In February, Mr Anniss called for the dilapidated classrooms to be replaced and said the classrooms were badly insulated, too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. He said the school was oversubscribed and successful but pupils, staff and governors were not happy about the huts which needed regular, extensive and expensive renovation. Holidays Gianni Bianchi, the headteacher of Cradle Hill School, told the Express he did not want to comment at this stage.

Cllr Tracy Willis, the Deputy Mayor of Seaford, welcomed the announcement and said the new school buildings could also be used during the evening and during school holidays. She said: 'We have fought for these improvements for nine years, so its great news. 'The new buildings should also allow us to expand pre-school, and increase after-school and holiday clubs.'