Building blow

It happened this week with the news that the rebuilding of the Grove School would not go ahead.

The Education Secretary, Mr Michael Gove, announced on Monday that the Building Schools for the Future programme, put in place by the previous Labour Government, was to be scrapped.

It also means a new Orchard School will not be built and there will be no improvements at the Magnus School.

The Dukeries College, Ollerton, will also miss out.

While it is accepted that something has to be done about the colossal budget deficit what kind of a message does it send to our young people to put them in the firing line?

They are entitled to feel that they are innocent victims of the attempts to reduce the national debt.

The Grove School was looking forward to replacing its out-dated 1960s buildings with a bright, modern development fit for the 21st Century.

There is no doubt the Grove buildings are well past their sell-by date.

Worthwhile investment would have provided a huge boost to education in Newark and shown youngsters there was a commitment to providing the best possible facilities for learning.

All avenues of alternative funding should now be explored.

If any is available our schools should be at the front of the queue.