SCHOOLS in West Devon could benefit from a £23-million bid for vital repairs and improvements being submitted to the government by Devon County Council.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the authority's executive committee was asked to approve the submission which would see thousands of pounds being pumped into schemes to get rid of old-fashioned outside toilets, improve heating systems and resurface playgrounds.

If the schedule is approved, Lifton School could see more than £32,000 being spent on its toilet block, which would be refurbished to provide single sex facilities.

Kui Holmes, senior teacher at the school, said: 'There are not enough toilet facilities — Year 6 girls had to share toilets with the boys, so they use the staff toilets which has a knock-on effect.

'It's a very cramped cloakroom area — it's like a domino effect on the children's welfare.'

And Tavistock College could be in line for more than £130,000 worth of funding, which would fund replacement heating systems, new windows and flat roof repairs.

John Simes, principal at the college, said: 'Any upgrading of our present buildings is welcome and whatever success comes from the bid we would be grateful for any improvements.'

Other schools in line for replacement heating installations are Lady Modiford's School at Walkhampton and St Andrew's School at Buckland Monachorum.

Whitchurch, Tavistock and Lamerton primary schools could have their playgrounds resurfaced if the bid is successful.

Money would also be allocated for a range of fire prevention works at Gulworthy Primary, Lady Modiford and St Rumon's Infants School in Tavistock.

The county council hopes to be as successful with this year's bid as last year, when £4.76-million was spent on schools in Devon.

Cllr John Glanvill, executive chairman of the resources committee, said: 'The county council is determined to win the best possible deal for our schools.

'Our children and teachers have made great strides in improving standards of achievement and deserve the right environment in which to continue progress this Millennium.'