PARENTS, governors and staff at three York secondary schools will be given their say on plans for a major shake-up after the Government pledged millions to the proposals.

But the full consultation process into what will happen to Oaklands, Lowfield and Manor Schools will not begin until next year, education chiefs have said.

The Evening Press revealed yesterday that the Government had granted three bids for a major investment in the three schools, as part of a £22 million cash package.

Manor School will benefit from £13.5 million, while at least £8 million will go towards the other two.

A further £600,000 has been allocated to fund a major improvement programme at Wheldrake Primary School. In 2003, City of York councillors agreed to delay their decision on rebuilding a larger Manor School, closing Lowfield and Oaklands and creating a new school by refurbishing the existing Oaklands School.

Today Patrick Scott, director of learning, culture and children's services at the council, praised everyone involved in putting together the successful bids. He said: "However, we can't afford to celebrate for long. There is an enormous amount of work to do. As we know from previous building projects, new schools don't get built overnight. With the funding secured, the next stage will be to carry out a formal consultation with parents, governors and staff at the schools about the proposals in spring term."

Updated: 09:59 Thursday, October 13, 2005