Back new Ayr Grammar plan, say parents

Jun 26 2009

PARENTS have appealed to the community to get behind the plan to build a new Ayr Grammar on a former hospital site.

They insist that with the support of the public, the dream of a new town centre primary could become a reality.

The move comes just days after council chiefs revealed a plan to radically overhaul South Ayrshire schools.

It includes building a new Grammar at the former home of Seafield Hospital.

Andy Seville from the school’s parent council said: “We were delighted with the decision of the leadership panel of South Ayrshire Council to further develop the proposal to relocate our school to the Seafield Hospital site, and to enter talks with the health board about the site.”

Mr Seville explained that the present school building was declared unfit for purpose eight years ago.

And he revealed that continued maintenance costs continue to be a drain on the public purse.

The dad, who has four children at the school, added: “It remains totally unsuitable for the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence, and it is only through the skill, hard work and professionalism of the Ayr Grammar staff that our children receive the quality of teaching that they do.

“The staff and pupils of the Grammar deserve a school which will help, and not hinder, their efforts.

“The parents owe them a huge debt, and we thank them for their patience over the last eight years.”

The Seafield site was dismissed as an option when the council first considered a new building for the school more than four years ago.

They tried and failed to get planning permission to build on the Old Racecourse instead.

However, a change in administration prompted a rethink and the Seafield plan was put back on the agenda.

Mr Seville went on: “We believe that the Seafield site is the only option that is acceptable across the community, and the leadership panel decision clearly demonstrates that.

“We recognise that there will be a number of challenges for us as we move forward, but with the support of the whole community we know they can be overcome.

“South Ayrshire CouncilŠhas beenŠ barraged with bad press over various decisions that have been taken in the last few years.Š

“It is good to see something ŠpositiveŠ coming from Wellington Square for a change. This is a real opportunity to do something for which we can all be proud.

“We hope that the council movesŠ quickly now that the biggest obstacle has been overcome.

“The children of Ayr have waited long enough.”