HALYRUDE Primary parents’ fury at a plan that might rip out the “heart of the school”, has forced Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to put the works on hold.

This week the local authority said it would hold a meeting to discuss concerns.

Last week details were revealed of the plan which might see Halyrude P1 to P7 pupils moved up to the first floor, the loss of the ground floor atrium of the St Joseph’s centre and that area repurposed for Leader Valley, which caters for children with complex learning needs.

An SBC spokesperson said: “In response to concerns raised in relation to plans for some works to the fabric and layout of Halyrude Primary, a meeting is being arranged where the head teachers and officers will share the details, listen to concerns and consider how to best progress taking these on board.

“Invites to this meeting will be sent from the school in the next few days and no works will be commencing meanwhile.”

Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone said: “It is vital that a meeting is set up quickly to give parents, staff and pupils in Halyrude and Leader Valley some reassurance around these plans without further delay.

“It is also extremely important that all views and suggestions are listened to in this case so that Halyrude continues to provide an excellent and collaborative education facility for its pupils.”