The details of how the so-called ‘missing 106 education money’ in Highbridge is to be spent has finally been revealed and it is King Alfred School that will benefit.

Cllr John Parkes asked Somerset County Council about the £182,000 earmarked for education would go in the town from the 106 money from the Asda development.

Sedgemoor District Council gave the money to Somerset County Council from the construction of Asda in Highbridge and the associated housing development for education. Cllr John Parkes made a Freedom of Information request from the County Council as to what they planned to do with the money as he was concerned it would not be spent on the town’s schools.

Now the County Council have responded to the Liberal Democrat’s request for an explanation. In their reply they confirm they have had the money since September 2010 and have to spend it within ten years, otherwise it has to be returned. They also revealed that it is planned for King Alfred’s and will be used for classrooms and/or ‘core facilities’ which will be needed as student numbers rise from 2018 onwards.

Mr Parkes said: “It is great to have confirmation that this money will be spent at King Alfred’s. I’ll be keeping in touch with the County Council and the school authorities to make sure it is used by 2020 so that it is not lost”.

“Given all the public interest in this topic, it is surprising that the present County Councillor has not made this information public but that it has taken a Freedom of Information request to find out what the situation is. I’m not even sure that the school knew this money was in the pipeline! I’m sure they, and the parents and students, will be delighted.”

Mr Parkes had previously discovered that £399,868 from the 106 agreement is to be spent on the Isleport Ponds project by the railway line. There has been a hitch in making this a public space say Sedgemoor due to problems with access which they hope will be a ‘green lung’ for the town as it develops. They said: “Clearly, the spending of such a large amount of money is not to be considered lightly and the Council will need to take the time to make sure it is spent to the maximum effect for the enhancement of public open space for the residents of Highbridge.”

A spokesperson for the school said: "We are aware of the money, but have not yet received any details of the plans."