Published: Wednesday, 16th November, 2005 10:53
Schools sites on starting blocks
By Border Telegraph Newsroom
Print Article
PREFERRED locations have been chosen for the development of four new Borders schools.
Scottish Borders Council has selected sites for high schools at Earlston and Eyemouth and primary schools at Clovenfords and Lauder, although the latter will depend on the outcome of a public inquiry.
The secondaries at Earlston and Eyemouth will be subject to best value and affordability assessments.
Councillors gave unanimous support to recommendations made on Thursday by SBC’s Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Glenn Rodger.
His advice followed statutory consultations in each community.
While the director’s recommendations received ringing endorsements from local members, councillors are aware that a lot more preparation will be required before construction begins.
Members raised concerns about building costs and the extent to which the sale of the existing school sites would impact on the projects.
Councillor Bill Herd (Kilnknowe & Clovenfords) welcomed the choice of Meigle Farm (behind Meigle Row) as the replacement site for Caddonfoot PS.
He said: “It has served the community well, but it is in need of retirement and a well-deserved one at that.
“It is a momentous decision for young parents and their children.
“We will be bringing new life to a vibrant community and this new school will significantly enhance pupils’ learning.
“At the beginning of the 21st century, it is appropriate that there should be a 21st century building for education in the village.”
Councillor Miles Browne (Earlston, Gordon & District) told members that Earlston High School, which had provided a good education for his three daughters, was accommodating 100 pupils over the design limit.
He said: “This is on a very cramped site and that’s why we want to make the school better.
“Earlston High School is a school to be proud of and, by supporting this, you are putting your money into a very good investment.”
Mr Rodger informed councillors that the potential Lauder sites, Wyndhead and Allanbank, would be able to accommodate a school, although the latter provided better expansion opportunities.
A public inquiry next month will examine the merits of development in the two locations.
Councillor Douglas Younger (Galawater & Lauderdale) stated that a new primary school in Lauder was desired greatly in the community, noting a clear mandate for the Allanbank site.
He said: “This is a very welcome step in delivering the school Lauder so badly wants and it’s critical that it is delivered as soon as possible.”
As each school’s occupancy is above 80 per cent, the moves will have to be approved by the Scottish Executive.
Councillor David Parker, the Council leader, urged councillors to look at SBC’s target rather than deliberate over the fine details of each project.
He said: “There’s never been such investment and focus on education.
“What is clear is that we absolutely need to deliver these schools for the benefit of the Borders.
“There is massive public interest in these projects and it is important we send out a concise message.
“This is the right way to move forward.
“We now need to go on and do the job.”
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