A MAJOR Government decision means three out of six crumbling Bridgwater schools will be rebuilt – with the fate of the other three hanging in the balance.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed work can start on Chilton Trinity, Elmwood and Robert Blake.

He announced that 33 of the country's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) "sample" schools can go ahead. The list of those plans closest to being completed included the above three schools.

But rebuilding Haygrove, East Bridgwater and Penrose schools, which are considered to have dated and cramped buildings, in the town are still on hold and await a spending review in September.

Mr Gove, who has been widely criticised for the way he has axed the previous Labour government's BSF programme, said: "I'm delighted the sample schools are going ahead.

"I know how hard councils and schools have worked on these projects and I have been anxious to ensure we can do everything we can, in difficult economic times, to support the crucial work of raising educational standards. Planning for these projects is well advanced and we are keen they should proceed without further delay. We will work with councils, sponsors and the construction industry to ensure we bear down on costs and bureaucracy so every new school is built in as cost-effective and efficient a way as possible."

A new programme considering the three remaining schools will be released at the end of the year.

Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainer cautiously welcomed the decision but said the fight for the other three schools continues.

He said: "I am pleased we have three going ahead but the battle for the other three continues.

"I have spoken to Mr Gove and made quite clear that Bridgwater deserves and needs the six new schools."

The news means a much-needed swimming pool and leisure centre to replace Sedgemoor Splash can still be built alongside Chilton Trinity, as part of the plans.

District council leader Duncan McGinty said: "Obviously we are pleased Chilton Trinity is going ahead because our leisure facility hinges on that.

"But we are disappointed the other three schools are on the list of those not going ahead at this time."

The Government has said BSF's end does not signal the end of new school buildings, and said it is committed to ensuring there is a fairer, more effective and efficient system for allocating capital money to schools.

It will give priority to schools with the greatest need and seek to address rising primary school numbers.

The call for evidence runs until September 17 and can be accessed at www.education.gov.uk/consultations.

The Capital Review Team will report to ministers in mid-September and a plan for capital investment over the next spending review period will be produced by the end of the calendar year.