Exciting plans for a new £13million state-of-the-art primary school in Cradley Heath are still on track, councillors have claimed.

Sandwell Council has unveiled ambitious proposals to create a new “super school” which would incorporate the ageing Corngreaves, Old Hill and Reddal Hill primary schools under one roof.

Recent reports suggested the project may collapse due to a funding shortage but councillors say these are not true.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill councillor Ann Shackleton, who first suggested the new school, said she had received assurances the plan would still go ahead.

Cllr Shackleton said: “The new school in Cradley Heath is still a top priority of Sandwell Council and we can look forward to it in the not too distant future.

“It will make such a difference. While we are more than happy with the efforts of staff at these schools but we want to create a facility which offers children state-of-the-art equipment.”

Corngreaves, Old Hill and Reddal Hill primary schools all date back to the 19th century and the council want to improve accommodation for pupils as well as reducing class sizes.

When complete the new facility would house more than 600 pupils and include a nursery.

Public consultation is set to begin when an exact location is confirmed – with several sites currently being looked at.

Cllr Shackleton, who is a former headteacher and now a governor at Corngreaves, added: “This is all part of the regeneration of Cradley Heath – it is about time we had a new school. I think it will be welcomed by everyone.”

Councillor Ian Jones, Sandwell cabinet member for children and young people, said the council were continuing with a number of schemes across the borough with Timbertree primary refurbished as part of the Cradley Heath plan.

A new primary school will also be built in Oldbury, with funding for the projects coming from the council’s capital spending programme.

Cllr Jones said: “In Cradley Heath you have three old schools all built during the Victorian age – the aim is to replace them with a state-of-the-art primary school. It will be a wonderful school as and when it is built.

“All the projects start from the view that we need to provide the best facility for the area with 21st century education.”