NEARLY £1 million is about to be released to schools from Swindon's education budget.

The money, part of contingency funds, will go to schools for emergency repairs if approved by Swindon Council's cabinet tomorrow.

The school standing to benefit most is Greendown, which will receive £195,000 for roof repairs to two blocks.

Ferndale Infants School is also in need of a new roof and £102,500 has been earmarked for this project.

Ridgeway School is in need of £66,300 again for roof repairs while drainage problems at Colebrook Junior School will cost £66,360 to put right.

Other schools set to benefit include: Commonweal (renew fan convectors and lighting, £47,720), Penhill Primary (re-surfacing Tarmac, £36,200), Pinehurst Infants (upgrading boilers, £17,000), Lawn Infants (new windows, £50,000), Haydon Wick (fire alarm upgrade, £10,500) and King William St Primary (fire alarm upgrade, (£14,500).

An officer's report cabinet says: "During the winter months it is possible that a number of accommodation issues arise that require capital investment to ensure the problem does not cause the closure of a school for example, the failure of a boiler.

"In these circumstances, it is not possible to wait for Cabinet approval to proceed with the scheme.

"Under delegated powers a decision can be made by the assistant director of planning and resources, subject to sufficient contingency funding being available, allowing for the schemes to progress."