A financial agreement has been reached for the future development of South Lanarkshire.

Earlier this week, Councillors approved a £672m budget, plus a £251m capital investment package to see new schools and care homes constructed, as well as a continuing investment in the area's roads.

Within the capital investment programme, there is almost £161m set aside for the area's Schools Modernisation Programme, while a further £36m has been earmarked for the Roads Investment Programme. Some £54m will help to fund other capital projects, including the first stages of a £12m review of Social Work's eight care homes which is expected to lead to at least two new care homes.

Other highlights of the budget package include:

• A total of £5.124m to fund more nursery place hours

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• A total of £4.590m for ongoing investment in Information Computer Technology in schools

• A total of £4.298m to help fund owner-occupier grants for disabled adaptations and home investment programme work

• A total of £2m for essential works on parks, cemeteries and sports pitches.

In addition, the Council also unveiled details of a £35.8m investment plan for current and new housing, including £15.9m to improve central heating systems and a £1.5m investment in sheltered housing to support older people living independently.

Councillor Eddie McAvoy said: "We have already replaced or rebuilt all secondary schools, plus 89 of our primaries and that modernisation programme continues. But in addition our investment in new technology will ensure our children and young people have access to up-to-date technology to allow for learning and teaching in a modern and changing environment.

"Roads investment is another priority. It's important we continue to invest in our long term strategy to improve road conditions.

"About a third of our roads have been resurfaced since the Roads Investment Plan began in 2008 and there have been significant improvements, particularly to our main roads.

"However, while good progress has been made, much remains to be done. The £12m pledged next year will finance substantial resurfacing work, meaning around 200 road and footway schemes will be completed and more than 5% of the total network resurfaced."

(JP/CD)