COUNTY chiefs have confirmed their commitment to multi-million pound investment in Dorset, despite the challenging economic climate.

Dorset County Council members backed the authority’s ambitious spending plan, which includes a range of building and refurbishment projects, at a full cabinet meeting. The council will invest £83.9million in 2013/14, and £84million the following financial year.

The main project is the reorganisation of the Purbeck school system, from three to two tiers, which includes new builds at Lulworth & Winfrith School, Wool St Mary’s, The Purbeck School and Sandford St Martin’s.

Corporate resources cabinet member Cllr Spencer Flower said: “Like councils up and down the country, Dorset is under huge pressure to cut costs, find savings and help the government’s programme for economic recovery.

“But it is important that we continue to put money into key local projects. Investment in education, tourism and businesses will help stimulate our economy.”

County chiefs say work to reduce the council’s own property portfolio and reduce running costs by £1.5million is proceeding well.