Delight as schools build can get under way at last

Two new schools are set to be built in Bath after long-awaited funding was finally announced.

- John Wimperis Local democracy reporter

Bath and North East Somerset Council signed off on plans to demolish Culverhay to build a 120-place special school and a 55-place alternative provision school last year - but the funding was frozen by the government.

Now the council says a funding announcement late last week means the plans can go ahead.

Council cabinet member for communications and community Manda Rigby told a council committee: "This announcement strengthens our plans for two new free schools: the Green Ways Academy, which I think as you all know will be a special school, and the Sulis Academy, which is going to be alternative provision, both of which are due to be delivered on the Culverhay site in Bath.

"These schools will provide much-needed specialist places for children and young people and, as I say, it will reduce the need for families to travel out of the area to get the most appropriate provision for them.

"This will also have the benefit of helping manage council finances by both lowering our transport costs and improving sustainability.