DILAPIDATED schools in East Lancashire could be about to get their share of £2.4billion for renovation or rebuilding work.

It comes as the government announced its Priority School Building Programme (PSBP), which will see 40 schools across the North West refurbished, would cost 35 per cent less than the previous school building initiative, Building Schools for the Future (BSF).

Education secretary Nicky Morgan said the scheme was a vital part of the government’s long-term plan for education and involved raising the standard of schools so that thousands of pupils and teachers benefit from high-quality, fit for purpose facilities.

The project was welcomed by East Lancashire NUT representative Simon Jones, who said modern buildings can have a positive affect on learning.

He said: “I would always welcome money that will help to create a positive and helpful working environment for students.

“This money could also mean that more schools will be asbestos free as well, which is very good news.”

Under PSBP the average cost of rebuilding a secondary school is around £15 million – around £5million less than under the BSF scheme.

Among the East Lancashire schools that benefited from BSF were Burnley’s Blessed Trinity RC College, Hameldon Community College and Unity College.

All of the schools in Blackburn and Darwen were either renovated or completely rebuilt under the scheme, which saw the creation of the new Blackburn Central High School.

Dave Harling, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s education boss, said: “Overall, we are very pleased with our schools following BSF.

“They are important along the way to helping our children to achieve.

They are only part of the picture, but a very important part of it.

“The scheme sets the schools and the youngsters up for the 21st century.”

The work in the North West is expected to create around £322million investment in the region.

Nationally, 260 PSBP school construction projects will take place, typically employing around 39,000 over the life of the programme.

Mrs Morgan added: “Investing in the Priority School Building Programme is not only delivering great new schools that will help prepare thousands of young people for life in modern Britain, but it is also a key part of our long term economic plan to secure a stronger economy, creating jobs and security for hardworking people.”

Applications are currently being considered.

Successful applicants will be confirmed by early next year.