Midlands academy plans left in limbo

Multi-million plans to create five new-look academies to replace crumbling schools in the Black Country and Staffordshire have been mothballed until the autumn.

The latest move by the Government has been described as "another blow" to communities. But West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson today vowed the fight to get funding for the projects will continue.

Walsall Academy, Blake Valley Technology College in Cannock - plus George Salter Collegiate, Ormiston Community and Shireland Collegiate in Sandwell - have been told to wait and cut costs.

But plans totalling almost £50 million for two academies Grace Academy Darlaston, and Shelfield Community Academy in Walsall are back on track after funding was agreed.

It is good news for Walsall which has seen £100m worth of BSF funding taken away from six schools at the last minute.

The latest announcements by Education Secretary Michael Gove came less than 48 hours after he refused to give ground to representatives from Sandwell over his decision to scrap school building projects in the borough worth £138m.

West Bromwich East Labour MP Tom Watson said: "This is yet more disappointing news for schoolchildren in Sandwell. I am sure some parents will feel this is another kick in the teeth."

He added: "The fight continues through the summer."

Some 119 school projects were left in limbo after Mr Gove axed the £55bn Building Schools for the Future programme last month.

But a total of 44 academies and 33 schools at the most advanced stage in their planning have now been given the go-ahead.

The 75 remaining sites will not know until after the comprehensive spending review in October exactly how much of their original plans will be able to proceed.

Councillor Rachel Walker, Walsall Council cabinet member for children's services, described the announcement as "mixed news".

By Sunita Patel