Published: Sunday, 18th July, 2010 10:08am

Cleaning squads to 'target' schools

ANGRY parents have hit out at a decision to scrap traditional school summer cleans this year.

For decades the extended seven-weeks holiday was used to scrub up classrooms and corridors in all primary and secondary schools in the region.

But required savings have forced education bosses to cut the cleaning hours.

One parent, who is a member of the Galashiels Academy Parent Council, told the Border Telegraph: "We have only just learned about this - there was no consultation and we are angry about it.

"Summer cleans are absolutely necessary as the cleaners and janitors can empty each room and properly gut it - something that can't be done during term time. This may not be noticed this year but the classrooms will just get dirtier and dirtier."

Staff are also believed to be angry over the last-minute decision. Jackie Swanston, head of school services for the East Borders, said: "Given the prioritisation against other competing pressures, the summer cleans normally provided to all schools have been replaced with cleans on the last day of term and cleans the day prior to schools going back.

"These cleans will be further enhanced by carpet cleaning and cleaning undertaken by janitors.

"There will also be a squad of cleaners who will be used in a targeted approach during the final week of the holidays to focus on schools that have had building work carried out during the summer."