THE HEAD of Thornwell Primary School has written to parents assuring them the money is available to rebuild the fire-damaged infants department.

The infants building was destroyed in a suspected arson attack in June last year leaving children to be taught in temporary buildings.

Mrs Linda Davies wrote the letter after reports appeared claiming there was a question mark over the replacement building as the money to pay for it had not been earmarked.

Thornwell councillor Armand Watts, who made the original claim, says he is sticking by what he said and insists the money has not been set aside.

Mrs Davies wrote: "I would like to take this opportunity to reassure all parents that Monmouth­shire County Council have committed finances which will ensure a superior learning environment for our nursery and infant pupils.

"At a meeting earlier this week with Local Authority officers, I was informed that the finances are in place and that a contractor has been appointed for the build.

"Within the next few weeks an architect will be selected and updated plans for the new build shared."The prospect of our children having an innovative and ground-breaking new school is something which excites us all; as I am sure it does all of you."

Councillor Watts said he still had not received the assurances he wanted.

He said: "I've been told there is a commitment to rebuild the school but the authority still cannot tell me where the money is.

"The money is not in the budget so we don't have a definite start date."

Cabinet member for schools Councillor Liz Hackett-Pain said the council has "always been clear in our commitment to rebuild Thornwell School to 21st Century standard - a far higher standard than the buildings destroyed by the fire".

She added: "Our challenge has always been that any insurance payment would not be sufficient to rebuild the school to 21st Century Schools standards.

"We are still seeking funding to cover that shortfall and are confident that we will achieve this. "In the meantime, work has started to plan the reconstruction of the school.

"As soon as we know what it will cost and where the money is coming from, we will add the project to our capital (building) programme."