Last updated 11:25, Monday, 01 December 2008

THERE are fears that the credit crunch could take a huge bite out of the plans to redevelop schools in west Cumbria.

Multi-million-pound schemes have been drawn up to revamp education at five schools in the region, but they could now be worthless following the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report.

It seems that, hidden in the small print, the Treasury claims it is re-examining spending on school buildings – and west Cumbria could lose as much as £180m.

Of course times are tight and tough decisions have to be made. But Copeland MP Jamie Reed rightly says that this investment must be fast-tracked.

Despite concerns over how deep a recession we face, these remain exciting times for the area as the Energy Coast progresses and Sellafield is redeveloped.

Investing in schools has to be a priority for any government – the returns are real and long-lasting. It means properly preparing our youngsters for the role they will have in a future society.

Scaling back on plans, postponing work that needs carrying out immediately treats pupils as second-class citizens.

It sends out the wrong message: ‘We’ve done our sums, we need to save some money, we’ll take it off you’.

Investment in Carlisle schools remain unaffected and Jamie Reed has to lead the fight in this case to make sure the west gets the money it needs.