AS the first sod was cut, pupils and teachers thought that at last they were going to get their long awaited new school.
But for the second time their hopes have been dashed at the final hurdle after council chiefs admitted it does not have enough money to pay for it.
It was only last month that celebrations were held to mark the first step in the construction of Redbridge Primary School on its new site in Studland Road, Millbrook.
But behind the scenes, the Daily Echo understands that alarm bells were already ringing among education bosses about how they would cover the cost.
The Daily Echo has learned spiralling contractors' costs has seen the final price tag for the new school jump from £4m to £5m - meaning there is now a £1m shortfall.
Although the council has pledged that the project will go ahead, staff, governors, and parents fear they will never get the dream school they were promised.
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John Shaw, spokesman for the school's seven governors, said: "We feel the council has displayed such a level of incompetence that we have lost all confidence in them.
"It beggars belief that we were asked to host a sod cutting ceremony when there were uncertainties about the funding."
He said a more robust contract between the council and contractors should have been drawn up detailing the final cost of the project before the sod cutting ceremony even took place.
"The children, parents and staff were all publicly promised a new school and were cheering when the first sod was cut. It is a complete farce.
"It is not acceptable for the council to now downgrade the new school building. The governing body feel at this late stage the council should find the money to make up any shortfall."
It is the latest twist in Redbridge Primary School's bid to get a new replacement school which began with a £2m government grant in 2004 to knock down and rebuild the 210-pupil primary.
Children at the school currently have most lessons in temporary classrooms around a Victorian building dating from 1850 next to the busy Redbridge Road.
Shortfall
Two years ago hopes for the new school were dashed after council education bosses admitted they could not make up the shortfall for the then priced £3m project - despite applying for the original government grant on the basis they could meet the new school's cost.
Last year the project was back on and the architect's plans approved for the new school featuring eight classrooms, a courtyard, sports pitch and multi-use games area.
The council's education bosses are now in talks with the contractors to try and reduce the total cost.
Andrew Hind, the council's schools capital projects boss, said: "We regret that the costs of the Redbridge Primary School Project have increased in relation to the original cost plan.
"There is no question that building work will not go ahead and the new school will be completed.
"However in the meantime we must look at how this important project can be delivered within the existing budget to provide a quality and value for money school.
"We are working with our contractors to manage the shortfall in funding."
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