CONCERNS have been raised about the number of temporary prefabricated class-rooms used by the county's schools.

A total of 298 single classrooms, 77 doubles, two trebles, one quadruple and two temporary halls are used by 392 schools.

Seventeen of the buildings date from the 1960s, 74 from the 1970s and 65 from the 1980s.

In addition, there are about 50 other prefabricated classrooms built soon after the Second World War.

The temporary classrooms have their planning consent renewed every three years, but some district councils, notably Scarborough, are so concerned about their continued existence that they object to granting renewals.

County councillor Carl Les said: "The more modern structures are more attractive and they do work in the majority of cases, but I can understand why planners would rather have permanent buildings made of bricks or stone.

"Unfortunately, we just don't have the money to replace them all."

Temporary classrooms were first used to meet the demand of rising pupil numbers.

The authority's capital planning manager, Richard Allen, said: "Once on site, it then becomes very difficult to prove the case to the Department of Education and Skills that the temporary buildings should be replaced by permanent ones."

In a report to councillors, Mr Allen said the authority had never received sufficient money from the Government to be able to build enough permanent classrooms. The backlog is so serious it would cost £78m to replace them all.

However, it is hoped that falling pupil numbers will lead to less reliance on temporary classrooms.

Also, the Government's Building Schools for the Future initiative aims to replace or renew every secondary school during the next 15 years - a move that would mean the end of temporary buildings.

But Mr Allen said: "The Government has not yet made their announcement about the pecking order among education authorities to benefit.

"As it is driven by levels of deprivation and school standards, it is expected that North Yorkshire will be towards the latter part of the programme."