SCHOOLS buildings in Bromsgrove could soon be used to host community activities thanks to one-off windfalls from the council.

Bromsgrove District Council is considering handing out single cash grants to town schools to help get community activities off the ground.

The authority already supports Woodrush High School in Wythall and Haybridge High School in Hagley. However, they are tied to an agreement which sees them spending almost £140,00 per year maintaining the facilities.

But the new scheme would leave the upkeep and running of facilities, such as improved changing rooms, to the school after the initial one-off grant.

Robbie Hazelhurst, the district council's head of recreation and tourism, said: "Last Tuesday councillors asked me to look into the possibility of providing one-off funds for schools to provide community facilities.

"I do not know how much money we will look at contributing, although these details will be given in my report to be considered by the executive cabinet in the new year."

Opposition leader, councillor Peter Macdonald (Lab - Uffdown and Waseley), who has campaigned relentlessly for the council to consider funding a dual-use scheme for schools, was delighted with the decision.

"Providing funds to improve community facilities in schools will see better use for our public buildings.

"It will also protect our schools from vandalism if the local community is constantly using them," he added.