ST HELENS schools are to receive a huge cash bonus.

And the news has been welcomed by the deputy education committee chairman Thomas Chisnall.

The extra money has come through the Government's New Deal for Schools plan to improve educational buildings throughout the country. In the St Helens area, 37 schools have been allocated funds for renovations ranging from structural repairs, through to window replacements and re-roofing. A total of £1.3 million is to be spent on schools in St Helens, with £266,000 being set aside for repairs to schools in Newton-le-Willows.

Councillor Chisnall said: "This extra funding from the Government is great news for schools in Newton and across St Helens. Together with the £600,000 that the Community, Education and Leisure Department has committed for schools maintenance in the next two years, it will help us improve further the standard of our school buildings.

"It is essential that our children continue to be educated in a safe, healthy and well-equipped atmosphere if they are to face the challenges of the 21st century."

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