EDUCATION bosses in Lancashire are rushing through a package of bids for millions in Government grants to help repair crumbling schools.

Labour announced earlier this year a £1.08 billion package to pay for repairs to the nation's classrooms.

And County Hall bosses have until the end of August to prepare for the first round of bidding under the New Deal for schools scheme.

Around £83 million is being made available nationwide over the next 12 months with the rest being divided up over the next five years.

A recent report revealed that schools in Lancashire were crumbling away and £75 million was needed to bring them up to scratch.

Many of the county's classrooms were built more than a century ago and the situation has been aggravated by vandalism and arson. At current spending levels it would take 200 years to put the situation right.

The Government has laid down guidelines for bids and under the system local authorities will be competing against each other for the cash.

Priority will be given to schemes which will improve education standards.

Schemes to step up security will also be eligible for grants under the initiative.

The news will be welcomed by several schools in East Lancashire who have announced plans for better security, including St Bede's in Blackburn and Burnley's St Hilda's High.

The county council has decided to ask for cash backing for all schools which have been unsuccessful in the Renewal Challenge Fund programme.

And schools waiting for urgent repairs to be carried out will also be included.

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