An update on progress being made on the £50 million Forfar/Carnoustie Schools project was given to members when they met last Thursday in Forfar.

Whilst thousands of Angus pupils are set to enjoy brand new state of the art schools as the project nears completion, members heard the council will have to fork out £117,482 which they are contractually bound to pay after asbestos was found in the old Langlands school building.

In his report which went to the committee, Jim Anderson, director of education detailed the additional work which had to be undertaken.

The report stated the costs of physically removing the type 3 asbestos amounted to £56,485.

In addition, the delay to the progression of the construction works, which entitled the building contractor to an extension time, was four weeks at a cost of £60,997 to the council.

Mr Anderson stated: "The overall total additional cost to the council is therefore £117,482 (i.e. works plus four week delay costs) and the council is contractually bound to pay this lump sum in accordance with the terms of the contract."

Phase one of the Forfar/Carnoustie schools project, which included the redevelopment of Kirkriggs into Strathmore Primary and the building of Whitehills Primary, is now complete.

Referring to phase 2, which involves Langlands Primary School in Forfar and Carlogie Primary in Carnoustie, Mr Anderson continued: "In terms of the construction programme, despite commencing around two months later than expected (due to the timing of completion of phase 1), the works are now progressing well at both sites."

He stated Langlands Primary School may be ready for hand over around mid May, 2009 (original target completion date was March 26, 2009).

Welcoming the report, education convener Peter Nield said: "I am delighted that this project is nearing completion, and that by summer next year, pupils in Forfar and Carnoustie will be educated in schools fit for the 21st century of which the whole community can be proud.

"As with any huge building project of this kind, there have been a few delays and unexpected hitches along the way, and I would like to thank our staff, pupils and their families for their patience and understanding during the process.

"I am sure they will agree that it has all been worthwhile as they enjoy their new purpose built schools, which have been fitted out to the highest standards."

The extensive building project is being made possible due to the use of a government supported public private partnership with Robertson which will finance, build and maintain the schools over 30 years with the council paying the costs over this period.