A MULTI-MILLION funding boost for the region’s schools was announced this week by education secretary, Justine Greening – but Tynedale is only due to get a new school roof.

The £68m Government funding will be used to expand and improve school buildings in the North-East.

The money will also go towards creating over 7,000 extra school places by 2020.

However, some feel that Tynedale has been served a raw deal.

The green light has been given for 41 school building work projects within the region through £34m of the funding

However, only one falls within the district – a roof replacement at Hexham Middle School.

County councillor for Hexham West, Coun. Derek Kennedy said: “Tynedale is the forgotten child.

“A roof for Hexham Middle School does not give any help for the rest of our schools.

“QEHS is a crumbling ruin of a building, it needs urgent attention.

“How that’s been forgotten about I just don’t know.”

It is not yet clear how much money has been allocated for the work to the Fellside building and school canteen at Hexham Middle School.

The total number of the district’s schools applying for building improvement work is also unknown.

However, Queen Elizabeth High School was turned down in its application.

The school has secured funding in the Government’s Priority School Building Programme to improve the crumbling Hydro building.

However, headteacher Graeme Atkins says the lower building is also in need of work.

Executive headteacher for both Hexham Middle School and QEHS, Mr Atkins said: “It’s a mixture of good news and disappointing news.

“We are delighted to have been successful to get the roof, it is great news. But we are intending to appeal the decision relating to QEHS. It doesn’t change our financial position, this is separate capital investment and doesn’t affect revenue funding for the day to day running of the school.”

MP for Hexham, Guy Opperman said: “It’s a good thing the Government is spending more money on the North-East, and I’m delighted that Hexham Middle School’s application has been successful.”

Ms Greening said: “Our Plan for Britain is to build a fairer society, with a good school place available for every child. This investment of £68m in the North-East, together with our proposals to create more good school places, will help ensure every young person in the region has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”