The city's 17 high schools would be shut and replaced with 12 new schools under the proposals.

Labour Stoke-on-Trent South MP Rob Flello, said it was "absolutely vital" to get the scheme correct.

Gordon Brown said he was committed to refurbish thousands of schools, primary and secondary, in the UK.

Mr Flello said during Prime Minister's Questions that primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent have already benefited from around �50m for rebuilding and refurbishing.

He added: "We now have an opportunity with �200m for our high schools and special schools.

"Given that this is a once in probably 100 years opportunity... will my Right Honourable friend agree to meet with heads and governors to discuss their proposals for how this money should be spent?"

The Prime Minister did not make any commitment to visit the area.