A MULTI-MILLION pound investment in Haltwhistle’s schools has been welcomed by staff and councillors.

Northumberland County Council has agreed to invest £2.5 million in upgrading the current middle school site at Haltwhistle Community Campus so that it can become a new primary school for the town.

WISE Academies, which runs the schools, plans to end middle school provision and extend the age range of the first school to offer primary provision from September.

The middle school buildings will be converted to accommodate the new primary school, subject to approval from the education secretary.

County councillor Ian Hutchinson, who represents Haltwhistle, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled.

“This is going to bring a sense of pride to the community. We now have the swimming pool, we have the new library, and the hospital – all of these things have happened here in the last few years.

“Parents and children have experienced some uncertain times recently about educational futures due to mismanagement by previous academies. I am very confident that under the wing of WISE Academies the future is good.”

Speaking at Haltwhistle Town Council, Coun. Hutchinson added that the county council were looking to demolish the first school and build houses on the site.

WISE chief executive Zoe Carr visited the middle school last Friday along with Coun. Hutchinson and MP Guy Opperman.

Zoe added: “I think it’s just brilliant for the Haltwhistle Community. In the past I think they’ve felt a bit overlooked.

“This community deserves something to be proud of.”