The delay in securing the cash to build three new special primary schools in Bradford is disappointing and is bound to be worrying for the head teachers and staff at the schools concerned.

The Council had initially hoped that the schools would be ready by 2006 under Phase 2 of the Building Schools for the Future scheme, but because of a delay in Government funding that has now been put back to September 2007.

Even that, though, is not final. The head of Lister Lane Special School, Glynne Freeth, says he worries that if they do not get a definite date when the cash will be made available his school and the other two might start to lose teachers to neighbouring authorities.

Stability is very important for pupils at any school, but perhaps moreso at special schools where the pupils can be more vulnerable. It is also important for every school to have up-to-date facilities in a modern building. That is what the Building Schools for the Future scheme is all about - either rebuilding or refurbishing all the district's schools.

At a school like Lister Lane, which was built 90 years ago, there is clearly scope for considerable improvements and updating.

It is important that the rebuilding plans can go ahead as soon as possible, once the cash can be identified in the Council's capital programme.

Meanwhile, let's hope that Mr Freeth's fears prove unfounded and that teachers at the schools concerned, faced with the opportunities the new premises will bring, decide to see things through.