East Lothian Council has approved an additional £2 million for repairs and renewals of primary schools and community facilities over the next four years.

This funding will be released from the 'civic emergency earmarked reserve' and the Capital Fund.

Works will include roof work, window replacements, formation of intervening ventilated spaces for toilets, toilet refurbishment, rewiring and heating upgrades.

Almost every primary school and quite a few nurseries will benefit. For example, between now and 2014, the council will be spending around £413,000 at Gullane Primary School for roof works, window replacements and toilet refurbishments, and £435,000 for heating upgrades, rewiring and toilet refurbishments at Musselburgh Burgh Primary.

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The council's Chief Finance Officer David Spillsbury explained that a range of priority minor works had accumulated in schools that required funding through a mix of revenue and capital expenditure.

He advised that the Administration felt that this would best be addressed through a planned programme of minor works over the next four years that could be supported by the creation of a £2m Repairs and Renewals Fund.

Cabinet member with responsibility for Education and Children's Services Peter MacKenzie said: "Our decision to set up the repairs and renewals fund is an intelligent and cost effective way of ensuring that our school buildings are the best that they can be.

"The Administration believes that maintaining our school estate is one of the best investments we can make for the future of our children. By planning ahead in this way, it will make the best use of our resources."

(GK/KMcA)