Published at 11:10, Thursday, 17 May 2012

COPELAND MP Jamie Reed has told the Government the need for investment in West Cumbria’s secondary schools is “acute”.

Mr Reed met with Schools Minister Nick Gibb last week, setting out the case for continued investment in the area following the scrapping of Labour’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects which would have seen every secondary school rebuilt or refurbished.

Mr Reed said: “It was a tremendous blow for schools in West Cumbria when the coalition scrapped the BSF programme and, with it, took away over £60million of investment in our secondary schools.

“I am determined to do everything I can to ensure that our schools receive the investment they deserve.”

Two months into office the coalition said cash promised to fast-track projects such as a £20m redevelopment of Netherhall in Maryport; extensive revamps at Millom, Whitehaven, Mayfield, the West Cumbria Learning Centre pupil referral unit at Distington; and a new school in Workington would not be honoured.

Mr Reed added: “The meeting with Nick Gibb was constructive. No promises were made, it may be that no money is forthcoming, but our case was listened to and I think and hope that the minister understood the acute need for investment.

“Investments will be announced this month and I am doing everything I can to ensure that we are among those schools receiving investment.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk