SEVERAL schools in East Lancashire which missed out on major government redevelopment funding are now in line for cash to fund urgent repairs.

Headteachers and governors were disappointed last year when the next phase of the Building Schools for the Future programme, set to benefit institutions in Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale, was axed.

But the state of some educational properties has reached a crisis point and Lancashire County Council will pay out just under £4.6million for the most vital overhauls in the eastern boroughs and Chorley, as part of its 2011-12 capital programme.

This year’s scheme will see Colne’s Park High, Rhyddings in Oswaldtwistle and Haslingden High all receive backing for significant structural, electrical or energy efficiency projects.

Park's new refit will be costing £200,000, while Rhyddings will see £140,000 worth of energy efficiency measures and Haslingden's roofing work is set to generate a £200,000 bill.

All three would have seen more substantial regeneration if the second wave of BSF had gone ahead across East Lancashire.

County education director Helen Denton said in a report that disruption would be kept to a minimum, depending on the practicalities of undertaking rewiring, replacing roof coverings and heating systems, with many schemes scheduled for school holidays.

“In order to maximise spending, it is proposed to undertake high priority repairs only where schools are able to practically and safely accommodate the work (this) year,” she added.

“Further consultation will take place with schools to determine and agree if priority repairs are able to be undertaken within the current programme.”

The other big winner in the county council's allocation is Ribblesdale High, which is set to be given £222,450 for new external doors and windows and a further £290,000 to help governors at the Ribble Valley school to improve its carbon footprint.

Another £600,000 will be spent on rewiring Longridge High and roof repairs are pencilled in for Bacup's Britannia Primary, Newchurch Primary in Rossendale and Broadway Primary at Haslingden.

If repairs cannot be carried out during this year then the affected schools will be given top priority in the 2012-13 programme.