SCHOOLS across the district in desperate need of repair work may get a much-needed boost after a Government cash influx was announced.

North Somerset Council has received an extra �1.3million of funding from Westminster to manage a shortfall in pupil places.

But some of that money is likely to be spent on repair and maintenance work in schools in the district.

The council has now received �7.3million in education grant money for the current school year, an increase of 22 per cent on the amount originally expected.

Saying primary schools would be the main beneficiaries, North Somerset’s executive member for education, Councillor Jeremy Blatchford, said: “This is good news, we have done very well out of this grant announcement.

“We have two priorities. The first is making sure we have enough places in our primary schools, especially with new housing developments on the horizon.

“The second is making sure our schools are up to standard, and some of them are in real need of repair and maintenance work.”

Mike Bell, Liberal Democrat group leader at the council, said: “This money will be a welcome boost to our hard work to ensure everyone gets a place at a good school. It will also be welcome news for the jobs and businesses as building can now ahead.”