SWINDON has been pledged £4.6 million of government cash to bring its crumbling schools up to scratch within three years.

But the education authority has missed out on a £345 million windfall across the country to build new science blocks, sports halls and art facilities.

Ten LEAs in the south west region will share £24.6 million for new buildings, but Swindon will not receive a penny of that money.

However, the authority will be allocated £2.9 million in 2004/5 and a further £1.7 million in 2005/6 to modernise existing school buildings.

North Swindon MP Michael Wills said: "This Government is committed to ensuring all children have the right environment to learn in and today's announ-cement shows this commitment being delivered.

"The extra cash will mean more attractive, accessible and effective learning environments for children and young people in Swindon."

In total, £1.1 billion will be spent on tackling the backlog of school repairs £698 million in 2004/5 and £401 million in 2005/6.