Concerns raised over delay to Galashiels schools review

Ally McGilvray • Published 13 Mar 2012 09:30 0 Comments

FAMILIES need to be consulted now on the future of schools in Galashiels.

That was the view of local Councillor Fiona Lackenby following our revelation that no new schools will be built in Galashiels for at least the next ten years - unless councillors are given more cash.

Scottish Borders Council's ruling administration outlined its budget proposals for the coming financial year last month.

Councillor Lackenby said: "I think there is some caution with the (council) officers because they know in the current climate the capital spend isn't there to do what we want to do. But to my mind that is no reason not to plan.

"And the people who have children entering primary school now need to be consulted because there children are going to be at secondary school when we're doing this work. Because we have got schools that are bursting at the seams others which are well below capacity."

Two years ago the local authority announced a comprehensive review of school provision in Galashiels was to be carried out.

It was envisaged some primaries could be closed and merged with others to create into new super schools.

However, despite £100,000 being set aside for the review, last month it emerged it was one of more than £3m of major council building projects in the Borders which have slipped behind schedule.

Councillor Lackenby said: "We need to get the review underway so people can come forward with their ideas because we don't just want a plan to be published at the local community told that is what you are getting."

"We have some fantastic teachers and now I want some schools to match."

But she added: "There has to be engagement. And I'm sure parents who have children at school in Gala will have some very strong ideas about what they want for their children. It's not going to be one super primary and closing everything else, that's not what we want."

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 13 Mar 12

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