Robert Smillie Memorial Primary in Larkhall is to get a £7.2m rebuild as part of the authority's multi-million pound schools modernisation programme.

Pupils will remain in the existing building on Glen Avenue throughout the construction period of their new school which is being constructed on an adjacent site.

And later next year, after the completion of the new school the old building will be demolished to allow the creation of a multi-use games pitch and new car parking area.

Work on the school, which is expected to start next month, will see the creation of seven classrooms, a pre-school nursery, gym/assembly hall, kitchen and dining area, library, ICT area and a general purpose area.

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A footpath will be laid out from the school to the Morgan Glen nature reserve and a new roundabout will also be created at the junction of Glen Avenue and Robert Smillie Crescent for the new vehicle entrance. A separate service access will be taken from Whinnie Knowe.

Councillor Graham Scott, the chair of the Planning Committee which approved the detailed plans lodged by Morgan Ashurst, said: "This authority is committed to rebuilding or upgrading all 124 of its primary schools within the next decade.

"And we have already made a tremendous start since the decision to move forward with our Schools Modernisation programme was made almost four years ago with thousands of our pupils are already reaping the benefits of new, modern and vibrant environments in which to learn."

(GK/JM)