A NEW additional support needs base could be developed in Clydebank using part of the £4 million left over from the council’s funding pot.

A report presented to councillors at the beginning of the month confirmed £4m remains unallocated in the current capital plan with a further £25.8m added recently.

The issue was discussed at the education committee last week where Labour councillor John Mooney asked if the money could be used to fund a new education base in Clydebank.

Cllr Mooney was informed by a council officer that this had been looked at, but steps would need to be taken to establish the cost of planning and developing the project.

Michelle Lynne, assets coordinator at the council, said: “This is the same [process] as other school projects we are looking at.

“Our intention would be to have this costed once we know where the preferred location for this base is.

“Once we have carried out the assessment we will come back to committee with proposals.”

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Since 2015, the council has delivered an investment of £66.6m across the learning estate to modernise buildings and ensure they are fit for purpose.

This investment is specifically designed to support improved attainment, regenerate communities and attract further investment, improve the economic performance of West Dunbartonshire and modernise the delivery of council services.

The local authority has more than 14,500 pupils across its seven secondary schools, 32 primary schools, three additional support needs schools and 22 early learning centres.

The learning estate strategy for 2020 – 2030 will include all education and early learning centres and recommends significant capital investment on buildings based on an assessment of a range of factors including: physical condition, current and future school roll, suitability for delivering education, learning and attainment, and achievement of best value for the communities of West Dunbartonshire.

The learning estate strategy will be continuously reviewed and informed by council and committee decisions and in line with the annual review of the capital plan.

A public consultation has not yet taken place.