CRUMBLING schools in Worcester could be patched up if a Private Finance Initiative in Bromsgrove is approved.

Although the £70m PFI project is to refurbish schools in Bromsgrove it will mean more of the council's money is available for other schools.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, who is a Parliamentary aide in the education department, has pledged his support to try and help Worcestershire County Council win the cash.

Mr Foster said that, if the bid was unsuccessful, the county council would have to use cash from its education budget to "patch up" the Bromsgrove schools.

But that money will be available to spend in Worcester and other parts of the county if the project is won.

Mr Foster said he had lobbied Ministers on behalf of Bromsgrove.

"Although not directly benefiting my constituency, I will continue to do what I can to bring additional cash into the county to be spent on schools," said Mr Foster.

"There is an indirect benefit for schools in Worcester, which also have need of refurbishment.

"If Bromsgrove schools can be refurbished using the PFI, then traditional funding routes can be used to pay for work on Worcester schools.

"I know of schools that the LEA admit are in a state, and any boost to Bromsgrove will be a boost for all schools in need.

"Schools should be palaces of learning and not be run-down or worn-out.

"The under-investment of years gone by is showing itself clearly in the state of some of our school buildings.

"Putting this right is a slow process - the task is just so big - but it is an essential part of our plan to transform education and the learning experience."

The Department for Education is due to inform the county council if it has been successful later this month.