WE KNOW we all have to tighten our belts, but my heart sank when I heard plans to haul our schools into the 21st century had been axed.

Some were to have been refurbished or rebuilt in a spectacular scheme.

The money for the programme, called Building Schools for the Future, would have enabled education bosses not only to carry out much-needed maintenance, fashion new buildings and knock down those beyond repair but, perhaps more importantly, would allow them to look at how best youngsters could be educated in future.

It was launched by the previous government in 2004, and we were to be in the sixth phase. Half the money would have been allocated as a grant, the rest added from PFI credits or supported borrowing.

I was at the launch, where there was a determined reaction to look on the possibilities with an open mind, even though there could be big changes - even closures - for schools which would fare better with a fresh start or a new building. Schools could have included creches, health or adult education facilities.

Other exciting possibilities were all-through education (primary and secondary) on a shared site, and special schools sharing mainstream campuses.

All schools, including those not being rebuilt or remodelled, would have seen improvements in technology, sports facilities and adult education services.

At the launch, the borough's director of education and children's services, Chris Spencer, said it was a brilliant opportunity to get the right number of schools, of the right size and in the right place.

Now, while our schools wait for the result of a government review, they can only look at their crumbling buildings and think what might have been.

FINALLY: Grand Prix driver Lewis Hamilton had my heart bleeding when he explained why he lives in tax exile in Switzerland. He apparently said: "Money is a frightening burden at times".

How about unloading some of it on a few schools in this borough, Mr Hamilton? I'm sure they'd be glad to help you out.