A BOURNEMOUTH council chief has urged caution from rushing headlong into the government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme.

The project, aimed at updating schools for the 21st century, would see all of Bournemouth and Poole's schools rebuilt or refurbished in the next 10-15 years.

The two boroughs are joining forces as they try to secure a significant cut of government funding.

However, fears have now been voiced over the possibility that the council taxpayer could still be left with a hefty bill.

Speaking at a Bournemouth council scrutiny panel meeting, Cllr Adrian Fudge, deputy leader of Bournemouth council, said the authorities should be going in with their "eyes wide open".

He said: "It sounds to me like central government are coming up with the aims but it will be local authorities picking up the cost.

"I don't believe anyone can yet tell you what the financial implications will be. The figures show there will be a definite shortfall in funding."

Cllr Fudge also warned of ensuring any grants were evenly distributed between the two boroughs.

A joint agreement is to be drawn up covering such matters.

It still looks as if a cautious endorsement for the BSF scheme will be recommended to the cabinet for approval on Wednesday.

Jane Portman, executive director of children and family services at Bournemouth council, has thrown her weight fully behind the scheme.

Addressing the scrutiny meeting, she said: "I believe this is the only show in town.

"There will be no other opportunity to invest £90 million in our schools. We have a significant opportunity in front of us."

The BSF project is being rolled out in waves across the country, with waves one to three already under way.

Seven schools in north Poole and north Bournemouth would be the first in the conurbation to benefit, with a place in wave six of the rollout.

Bournemouth and Poole's remaining schools have been allocated to waves 13 to 15.