“WE need to keep the pressure on the government about our funding for schools here in Poole,” said Cllr Elaine Atkinson.

Her letter, which describes the situation as “dire”, is calling for a meeting with Lord Hill of Oareford, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools.

In it she points out the council’s priorities of the age of transfer and the duty to provide enough school places.

“Even if we can meet these priorities the council has no resources to meet any other high priority needs for repairs and maintenance in schools,” she says.

“This is a matter dear to the hearts not only of many local councillors but also to many parents, pupils and teachers who are working very hard and doing a great job in conditions which fall far below what is reasonable.”

Cllr Mike Brooke, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said millions had been wasted by the council on bureaucracy over BSF, and Hillbourne had lost out because the promised money was diverted to other schools.

“It’s absolutely right that BSF and the primary capital programme were stopped but they have got to be replaced with efficient funding to at least deliver the essential needs,” he said.

“It looks very much for Poole, that’s not going to be the case,” he added.

He said it seemed likely Hillbourne would lose out again. “It’s very, very hard on a school and community that are in desperate need for money to be spent on their school.”