There are more than 250 million reasons for young people in North Lanarkshire to feel positive about their future thanks to major growth investment in North Lanarkshire Council's budget package for 2007/08.

With an overall growth package of almost £85 million for the next financial year, a massive £50 million has been allocated to improve schools and community facilities under phase three of the council's successful Education 2010 programme, which is already making a huge difference to communities across North Lanarkshire.

When added to the £150 million invested under phase one of Education 2010 – which has already delivered 11 new schools across North Lanarkshire with 13 more to come – and the £54 million earmarked for phase two of the programme, which will deliver eight new schools, this brings the total investment in Education 2010 to more than quarter of a billion pounds.

"This is a staggering amount of investment in improving the conditions in which we educate our young people", said Councillor Charlie Gray, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council's Education Committee. "And remember that this is just the investment in building new schools across North Lanarkshire – millions are also spent each year on maintaining and improving the schools that will not be rebuilt or replaced.

"This £250 million investment will create a very real legacy for young people in North Lanarkshire – a legacy of quality school buildings that will benefit local people for generations to come. And this doesn't just apply to the education of our young people. All of our new schools have been developed and designed to also provide major community resources, with fantastic sport and recreation facilities as well as other community facilities such as libraries and community education centres in some locations.

"This is all about giving our young people the very best possible start in life, and there is no doubt that Education 2010 is already doing – and will continue to do just that."

Education is not the only area where young people will benefit from the council's increased investment as more than £500,000 (including £200,000 from the Children's Services Fund) will be spent during 2007/08 to enhance recreational opportunities on offer across North Lanarkshire.

In line with the council's commitment to promoting health, well-being and care – which supports the Scottish Executive’s drive to improve the health of the population – the council will be investing £100,000 in new play park equipment in communities across North Lanarkshire. This will increase the opportunities for young people to take part in outdoor recreation.

In addition, £170,000 will be used to extend the current school holidays free swims scheme to include dryside sports facilities in North Lanarkshire's sport and leisure centres, creating a varied programme of holiday activities incorporating sport, play, health, IT and arts and crafts – all delivered by qualified instructors.

"This really is a budget package that will make a huge difference to young people throughout North Lanarkshire, improving health and fitness and giving young people the chance to try out activities they may never have experienced such as cheerleading, climbing wall or tri-golf", said Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of the Community Services Committee.

"And the provision of free activities ensures that there are no financial barriers to participation, so these activities can be enjoyed by all. Our free swims scheme has already proved to be extremely popular and I'm sure the dryside activities will do just the same.

"However, we're not just concentrating on physical activities, as we'll providing more exercise for the mind with an additional £100,000 for new books and materials for our libraries, complementing the £200,000 provided by Children’s Services Funding and ensuring our young people can get the most out of their local library.

"This really is about investing in the future of North Lanarkshire and this council is committed to doing just that."