A NEW modern building could be on the cards for a primary school in need of of investment.

Bolton Parish Church CE Primary could be rebuilt after being awarded a slice of £2 billion of government funding.

The school in The Haulgh was told yesterday it had been successful in its bid for cash to rebuild or refurbish the building, which is in desperate needs of capital investment.

The news it had been awarded funding comes weeks just after Ofsted inspectors reported that standards are rising at the school.

John Wallington, chairman of governors at the school, said: “This is wonderful news for Bolton Parish.

“We have been struggling for over 10 years to maintain the school in a safe and habitable building.

“This has resulted in significant amounts of money having to be spent on remedial work rather than resources to enhance pupils' learning experiences.

“I would like to express my thanks to all those who have contributed to this successful application.”

Details of how much money the school will receive and the works to be carried out will be revealed in the near future

Karen Bramwell, executive principal, said: “This is another piece of good news as Bolton Parish church school moves forward to secure a brighter future for its pupils and community.”

In 2004 Bolton Parish Church CE School had to close suddenly when it was feared that subsidence could make the school unsafe.

The entire school was transferred to the former Longsight school base in Harwood temporarily until work had been carried out.

This is the second phase of the building and refurbishing programme with 277 schools across England benefitting in the latest round.

Bolton lost out in the first phase despite bids being put in for government cash.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We’re very pleased for the school that our bid, in collaboration with the Diocese, to has been approved in the initial stages by the DfE.

“It is important that the school continues to provide school places in this part of the borough and it will be great to see how things develop over the next few months.”