A CONFERENCE to discuss how private investment could help repair crumbling school buildings is being held in County Durham.

The topic will be discussed at the Durham County Association of Governors conference, at County Hall on Saturday.

School governors throughout the area have been invited to attend, and key speakers will include representatives from other parts of the country where the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is playing an active role in schools.

Keith Banks, the lead officer for PFI issues at Durham Local Education Authority (LEA), will also give an address.

The county has no PFI schemes but could introduce them in the future.

Pauline Ramshaw, chair of the Durham County Association of Governors, said: "The Private Finance Initiative is a very controversial subject.

"Durham LEA is investigating the potential of PFI for the county, and we as governors need to be aware of the implications this may have on our schools.

"The day has been organised so that governors will have the opportunity for group discussion. A question and answer session will also be held."

Durham LEA is estimated to have a five-year school repairs and maintenance backlog of £89m. Further requirements add an extra £235m to the bill.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for education, said: "The scale of capital work required in County Durham's schools is such that traditional funding will not suffice. The PFI route offers a major additional source of capital approval from the Government.