The much needed four new classrooms for Exminster Primary School have taken a step forward with planning permission being applied for. If the planning green light is given, it means this scheme is ready to go ahead as soon as funding is agreed.

That’s the sticking point at the moment…. The developers building the 297 new houses at Milbury farm in Exminster are paying £290,000 in four stages for the new classrooms – but the total cost is around £800,000.

I have been pressing Devon County Council to meet its share of the bill and include Exminster in this year’s funding programme. The Conservatives haven’t agreed to do that but I understand that Exminster is high up the list and the new classroom ‘could’ go ahead if other projects cost less than expected.

I am keeping-up the pressure and Exminster Parish Council has been really good in pressing the case along with me for the village school to get these urgently needed classrooms.