Ailing economy is blamed for delays to building schools

05 November 2008

THE credit crunch and "unforeseen circumstances" have been blamed for a massive schools rebuilding programme falling behind schedule.

Contracts were due to be signed for Newham's £260 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme in July, but this has not happened. Town Hall chiefs now say they hope pen will be put to paper by the end of the year.

A Town Hall spokeswoman said the delay was due to "unforeseen circumstances, including the global credit crunch" and "making sure we get it right". The council make "no apologies" for the delays.

The programme is part of the national BSF initiative. Little Ilford, Lister, Rokeby and Stratford schools will be rebuilt - Rokeby and Stratford on new sites.

Nine schools will be refurbished - Brampton Manor, Eastlea, Forest Gate, Langdon, Plashet, The Royal Docks, St Angela's, St Bonaventure's and Sarah Bonnell.

Newham's other secondary, Cumber-land, is not involved as it was only rebuilt recently.

Full story from Susan Smith in this week's Recorder