A DATE has been set for the start of long-awaited work to revamp two Alvechurch schools.

Work to rebuild Alvechurch Middle and Crown Meadow First Schools on a new site in the village will start in September.

The revamp comes as part of a £60 million Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project to benefit seven schools across the Bromsgrove district after the contract for the 30-year deal was finally signed in December by county council officers and HBG PFI Contracts Ltd.

Project manager Peter Parkes said: "I am absolutely delighted that together we have achieved this.

"This delight is twofold. Firstly we achieved it within a target we were set more than two years ago, while secondly, and in particular, for the schools, staff, pupils and parents. For them, the really exciting time is only just beginning."

The two Alvechurch schools will be rebuilt on a shared site to the eastern side of the Birmingham Road, along with a new updated public library.

Construction is due to be finished in April 2008.

Karen Jordan, head of Alvechurch Middle School, said pupils had already had a construction day at the Avoncroft Museum, taking part in activities with people from HBG.

"They have also agreed to get involved with some art projects. We're hoping as the building work starts there will be a lot of opportunities for activities, it's going to be a learning experience as well," said Mrs Jordan.

She said children would also be making a video record of the building process.

"The facilities will improve the school, particularly the playing fields and the extra room we will have," she added.