A CITY headteacher has slammed plans to allow cash-strapped schools to raid their building repair budgets to pay for books or teachers' salaries.

The Government's announcement, this morning, would free up £18m for Worcestershire schools.

Robert Flynn, head of Gorse Hill Primary School, Holly Mount Road, Tolladine, said the move - which would allow him access to £30,000 - was simply "a sticking plaster" which would not solve the education crisis.

He said the school had already put on hold plans for a basketball court to pay for the installation of new fire doors.

"All the money is committed and you can't suddenly change your plans," he said.

The total "pot" for repairs held by schools across the county is thought to be about £6m.

The offer, which means heads will also be allowed to spend their own school reserves, valued at £12m, comes less than two weeks after Charles Clarke, Education Secretary, launched a blistering attack on county education chiefs. He demanded to know why £3.7m earmarked for county schools had failed to reach the headteachers.

Today, Mr Clarke said the cash was now getting through to schools but - admitted it may not be enough. He said they would be allowed to raid their repair budgets, but for one year only. The move will free up £21,900 for the average primary school, or £74,900 for a secondary school.

Mr Clarke said he accepted this was a "difficult year" for schools.