SCHOOL construction projects in Wales will receive a £25 million boost as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

The minister for education Huw Lewis welcomed the funding yesterday, which will allow work on some school projects to begin earlier than planned.

In Gwent, £2 million is destined for the £4.5 million Raglan Primary School to be built in Monmouthshire next summer and which is set to offer facilities on par with Caldicot’s Dewstow Primary School.

This is part of £12.2 million allocated for specific projects, with the remaining £12.8 million allocated to a number of transitional projects.

“By allocating this funding now, we’re allowing priority construction projects to begin much earlier than planned, and also giving a much needed capital boost to projects that are already underway,” said Mr Lewis AM.

“This is essential, not only for our schools and communities, but for the continued support of our construction industry and the growth of our economy.”