South Lanarkshire Council has pledged a £19m investment towards its Primary Schools Modernisation Programme.

The latest financial commitment for the programme will allow three more campuses to be created after approval was granted at June's meeting of the Council's Planning Committee.

The announcement will see new schools constructed for the pupils of St John's, Blackwood; East Milton, East Kilbride as well as primary and nursery pupils of St Bride's in Cambuslang.

All three buildings will also have new multi-use pitches.

Work is expected to begin over the summer with the new schools expected to be opened and in use by 2015.

Work on the new £3.2m St John’s at Blackwood and the £7.3m replacement for East Milton, East Kilbride will be carried out as tandem builds, while pupils of the £8.2m St Bride’s, Cambuslang will relocate to the former Cairns primary school.

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Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Eddie McAvoy, welcomed the news and praised the £812m modernisation project.

Councillor McAvoy said: "Back in 2004, the council set out on a road that few had considered, let alone tried, by setting out a commitment to rebuild - and in a few instances refurbish - every one of our schools.

"From the smallest primary, to our larger, bustling campuses, we have weathered the storm of the economic downturn, and are steadily transforming our schools into centres of excellence.

"The three new schools approved by committee this time around provide a snapshot of just how wide-ranging and inclusive this unique programme has been - and will continue to be - as we look forward to the proposed completion just a few short years from now."

The Council's Primary Schools Modernisation Programme has been providing investment in schools for a decade. To date, 76 primary schools have been completed, along with 41 nursery classes, 18 bases for children with additional support needs, and 12 community wings.

(JP/CD)