SDLP Councillor Pat Catney has hit out at figures published by the Department for Education on the current maintenance backlog in schools in the Lagan Valley constituency.

The figures were published following a written question to the Minister John O’Dowd from SDLP MLA for Upper Bann Dolores Kelly MLA.

Cllr Catney said: "The figures published by the Department for Education detailing the current maintenance backlog in Schools in Lagan Valley are shocking and unacceptable. The current backlog of £311 million for the estate, which excludes emergency repair-work, is disproportionately high.

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"Children attending these schools are being put at an unfair disadvantage by having to learn in sub-standard school buildings with often poor heating facilities. I share the concern of many parents who are worried about sending their children to buildings which are often in a poor condition.

"There are thousands of children across Northern Ireland sitting examinations over the next couple of weeks in schools which are in need of serious repair. This is not a fair way to treat our young children who need every support to fulfill their potential."

(CD/GK)