A QUESTION mark hangs over the rebuilding of Thornwell Primary School amid claims the council has not earmarked any money for the work in next year's budget.

Eight months after the school's infant and nursery department was destroyed following a suspected arson attack, teachers, staff and parents are still waiting for an announcement to be made on when rebuilding will start.

Following the half-term fire on June 3, Monmouthshire council was praised for acting swiftly and orchestrating an operation that saw a number of demountable units brought in to replace lost classrooms.

Parents were assured by the authority the units were 'a temporary measure' and that money would be earmarked by MCC along with any insurance money to pay for a new building.

However, it now appears no money has been earmarked for the work in MCC's budget for the forthcoming financial year 2012/2013.

Thornwell councillor Armand Watts says he is furious with the lack of any provision for the school and is calling for a public meeting.

He said: "After requesting an update on the school's situation, I was sick to my stomach to learn the authority has not earmarked anymoney at all for the work in its budget.

"I refuse to let this go and have called for a special meeting with officers in light of this news and am calling for a public meeting so those responsible can explain to parents why their children are going to remain in unacceptable conditions for the foreseeable future."

Heather Haynes whose daughter goes to the school said she was shocked and disappointed the council had failed to earmark funding.

She said: "Parents were told the school would be rebuilt and the demountables were just temporary measures.

"I think there should be a public meeting because parents deserve to be told the truth about what's going on with the school."

MCC's chief officer for Children and Young People, Andrew Keep said: "No money has been earmarked in MCC's capital budget due to the unforeseen circumstances resulting from a fire at the school. There is a clear commitment to rebuild the school in line with our twenty first century schools improvement programme."

What do you think? Email us at chepstow@freepressseries.co.uk