A £50 MILLION scheme that would see a third of Bolton's secondary schools rebuilt is currently at a standstill, education bosses have been told.

Bolton's Local Education Authority asked the Government for £50 million to overhaul school buildings in the borough. But the Government has yet to give Bolton Council the green light -- leaving the town's 16 high schools in limbo.

If passed, the scheme would mean 35 per cent of buildings could be rebuilt, and a further 55 per cent extensively refurbished.

The remaining 10 per cent of buildings would be in line for minor improvements.

Education bosses had been expecting to hear from the Government by March if the town would receive the cash, but the Children's Services Scrutiny Committee was told that the council is still awaiting a decision.

Chris Swift, assistant director of education, said: "We have to wait until they make an announcement in the Autumn to find out where Bolton is placed nationally in the roll-out of the initiative."

Bolton Council education chiefs have submitted the application for part of the £5.1 billion the Government has allocated towards investment in school buildings across the country.

The Government is aiming to ensure that every part of secondary education has up-to-date facilities through a school building project that will take place nationally within 10 to 15 years.

Priority will be given to geographical areas with the greatest educational and social needs.