Schools across Powys could be transformed thanks to a £125 million investment, with talks due to be held next week on the ambitious plans.Powys County Council has unveiled a multi-million pound modernisation scheme which could see some current school buildings replaced, new schools built and others refurbished. Now members are set to agree a timetable for the work.

Three Powys schools are already set to close under the plans after consultation held last year.

Councillor David Jones, board member for schools and inclusion, said the council’s plans will be discussed at a meeting next week.

He said: “The council is looking at ambitious plans which will see at least £125 million invested in schools over the next decade.

“We want the right schools, in the right locations and make sure our children have access to the highest possible education facilities.”

Under the proposed plan, Councillor Jones said the improvements would be rolled out over the next few years.

Schools in the Presteigne area would be looked at for improvement in 2009/10, which would then be followed by Llanidloes and Machynlleth in 2010/11 and Welshpool in 2011/12.

Funding would come from the council and the Welsh Assembly Government.

The planned timetable will be discussed and a decision on whether to adopt it will be made at the council’s board meeting on Tuesday.

The modernisation plan has already caused some controversy in the county, with a massive campaign launched against the proposed closure of some schools last year.

Llangurig Primary School and Ysgol Thomas Stephens, in Pontneathvaughan, are set to close this summer, while Howey School, near Llandrindod Wells will close in 12 months time.

Children from Howey will then join pupils from Newbridge-on-Wye at a new £2.5 million super school in the village.

Councillor Jones said: “We believe the best way forward is to take a strategic approach and look at the county area by area.

“School modernisation is one of the council’s ‘Aim High’ projects and as a result schools in the county are a priority for investment and development.”