Swansea schools set to benefit from £4.5m boost

News that three Swansea based schools will benefit from Welsh Government funding worth £4.5 million has been warmly welcomed this week by local Swansea AM, Mike Hedges. 

The Swansea schools set to benefit from this substantial round of investment are Burlais Primary School in Manselton (£2.5million), Ysgol Gymraeg Lon Las in Llansamlet (£1million) and Gowerton Primary School in Gowerton (£1million).

The funding, which was announced yesterday by Education and Skills Minister Huw Lewis, is part of a wider investment package of £25milion for school construction projects across Wales under the Welsh Government’s ambitious 21^st Century Schools Programme.

Swansea Council will now be contacted by the Welsh Government to ensure that construction work on these three schools can begin as soon as possible.

Swansea East AM Mike Hedges, who’s constituency incorporates Burlais Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Lon Las, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted with this huge investment for two of schools in my constituency, which will help to deliver real benefits for teachers, pupils and parents, as well as help the local construction industry and economy. 

“As a parent with daughter that attended Lon Las, I’ve long been campaigning for a replacement of the ageing school buildings. I’ve also, since being elected, campaigned for a new single site school to be constructed to accommodate pupils and staff at Burlais Primary, replacing both Cwmbwrla and Manselton Primary Schools.

“This is a much needed investment in education and I look forward to seeing the new, modern school buildings built for the benefit of our benefit our educators and young learners.” 

Education and Skills Minister, Huw Lewis, said:

“This additional £25 million funding will be welcome news to Local Authorities, schools and parents and shows that even in these difficult economic times we are continuing to prioritise investment to where it is most needed.

“By allocating this funding now, we’re allowing priority construction projects to begin much earlier than planned and also giving a much needed capital boost to projects that are already underway. This is essential, not only for our schools and communities, but for the continued support of our construction industry and the growth of our economy.”