AN £80 million bid to transform primary schools in Bolton has been approved by the Government.

Cash from the Government’s £1.75 billion primary capital programme will be released in the next academic year.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, Bolton Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “This announcement means that, over the next 15 years, half of our primary schools will be rebuilt or refurbished, offering 21st century accommodation.

“The Department for Children, Schools and Families recognised our strategy as good, with many strengths. We are delighted with this result.”

The cash, from the Government’s primary capital programme, will be distributed over the next 15-years — but work will start on the most rundown 14 schools in the next academic year.

Nine schools are earmarked as “priorities for investment” and will benefit from the first round of funding. They are: Top o’th’ Brow, Breightmet; Clarendon, Great Lever; Sunning Hill, Bolton; St Peters and Paul RC, Bolton; Brandwood, Daubhill; Church Road, Doffcocker; St Peter’s CE, Farnworth; Plodder Lane, Farnworth; St Thomas’ CE, Halliwell; and Highfield in Harper Green.

Now there will be extensive consultation with the diocesan authorities, the public, schools, governors and other parties as detailed plans are drawn up for the schools.

Chris Caldwell, head of Top o’th’ Brow Primary School, said: “This school dates back to before 1938 and we need a new building instead of patching it up.

“A building does not make a school, but it does help in raising achievement as it raises morale.”