An investment of £6 million has been agreed to develop new Primary School, Early Childhood Centre and community facilities in Bellsbank.

East Ayrshire Council secured the additional funding of £1.65 million from the Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare capital funding programme.

Approximately £4.65m was already secured for a primary school development, but the new funds will help incorporate the Early Childhood Centre and community leisure facilities into the design.

Welcoming the decision, Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "We have always planned to replace the school at Bellsbank, and we are now in a position to do this.

"Using the government funding means we can incorporate enhanced early years provision within the existing plans and widen the scope of the school to include facilities for local residents.

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"The development also gives us an opportunity to look again at plans to increase our investment in Doon Valley, with our largest ever investment in the area, creating a new campus for Doon Academy and Dalmellington Primary School, ensuring all learners have access to an education that prepares them to succeed in school, work and life.

"These plans are at an early stage, will include additional community facilities and will deliver a host of exciting learning, social and leisure opportunities for all our Doon Valley residents."

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning added: "The Council's Capital Investment Programme puts education at the heart of our plans and the new facilities in Bellsbank will deliver a stunning new environment for our youngest citizens to learn, develop and grow.

"Building on this, the proposals for a new Doon Academy will ensure that every young person has an unparalleled opportunity to access and benefit from the very best education we can possibly offer, giving them a fantastic head start in tomorrow's world."

The new school is scheduled to open in 2020.

(CM/LM)