PRIMARY schools in Nantwich are demanding a slice of the town's cash windfall.

Since the town council landed £1m-plus by selling off a large allotments plot, it has handed out many thousands of pounds, including £90,000 to Nantwich Town Football Club and £50,000 each to Malbank School and Sixth Form College and Brine Leas High.

But the town's primary schools have not received a penny.

Long-serving Millfields Primary head Geoff Evans has written to the town council expressing his concern that no cash has been granted to primary schools.

He said: 'I have discussed with other local headteachers and we feel that yet again the primary sector has been over-looked when extra resources have become available.

'This is particularly disappointing at a time when many primary schools are struggling with very tight budgets, and even facing cuts in staff.'

He pointed out: 'Not a penny of this windfall has come the way of primary schools and their 1,000-plus pupils.'

Although Mr Evans said he was pleased that the town's two secondary schools had been given financial support, he commented: 'I strongly believe that Nantwich primary schools give as much, if not more, to the community.'

He outlined some of the ways his own pupils had supported community projects.

He said: 'We regularly actively support Nantwich in Bloom. Our younger children have taken part in the Jazz Festival parade, and our extensive wildlife-environmental area, planted over 10 years ago, has helped minimise the effect the considerable home building has had on the local environment, and has been used as part of the town's entry in the Britain in Bloom competition.

'I am certain that other headteachers could point to their own school's projects which have benefited the community.

'Don't forget that an investment in the very youngest members of our community is an investment in the future of Nantwich.' Town council clerk Nigel Hodges said certain criteria had to be followed in making financial aid to schools. Projects supported had to be of benefit to the general public as well as pupils.

He said the Malbank grant was in support of a new arts and technical complex and Brine Leas had been given financial assistance to upgrade their sports and leisure activities.

Cllr Frazer Carolis said: 'I hope primary schools come forward with projects that meet the criteria.'

Cllr Steve Hope added 'I know that Geoff Evans feels that primary schools are the very heart and soul of the community.'

The council has now written to primary schools headteachers suggesting a meeting to discuss which projects could be considered for grant aid.