Plans to construct a new purpose-built education campus in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, have been approved.

The campus will see two primary schools, an early learning and childcare centre and an additional support needs base created on the site.

The £15.4m facility was approved by the local authority earlier this week.

Located on the current site of St Kessog's Primary School, the campus will cater for almost 500 children and replace a number of schools with modern, efficient buildings. The campus will amalgamate Haldane Primary School and Jamestown Primary School, a co-located St Kessog's Primary School and the pre-school and support needs centres.

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In addition to the new buildings, pedestrian and vehicle access to the site will also be enhanced, with plans to create a new route.

To allow construction work to commence, the council has said pupils and staff at St Kessog's will vacate their building and temporarily move into Haldane Primary from August 2015. These arrangements will remain until the campus is open. Jamestown Primary and the adjoining early education centre will remain in their current buildings until the new campus is completed.

The facility is expected to open in August 2017.

Michelle McGinty, Convener of Educational Services, commented: "This is fantastic news for the communities of Balloch, Haldane and Jamestown and that has been recognised by parents and carers.

"The existing school buildings are no longer fit for purpose. Our children deserve to be educated in 21s century buildings which allow them to fully realise their potential. That is what this project will deliver."

Councillor John Mooney, Depute Convener of Educational Services, added: "Along with the new schools, I welcome the fact that the new campus includes an Additional Support Needs Centre which will enhance existing provision by offering support to up to 36 primary school children with a range of needs."

(JP/CD)