Consultation opens on Whitletts Primary School's future

Sep 18 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A FORMAL consultation into the closure of Whitletts primary school has kicked off.

Parents have been issued with copies of the official consultation document which will decide their children’s future.

It means the school could close its doors for good as early as June next year.

The council offers four options: building a new school; improving the existing building; joining with Braehead primary in a new school in North Ayr; and transferring pupils to Braehead primary and Dalmilling primary.

But in June 2008, councillors pointed out the first three options were too expensive.

Whitletts Primary School occupies three buildings which were all built at different times. The earliest dates back to 1909. The condition of the school buildings has continued to deteriorate.

The school has a capacity of 166 but the school roll this year is 64.

The consultation period will run from Wednesday, September 23 to Friday, November 6.

Three meetings will be held to explain the proposals and give parents the opportunity to ask questions.

The meetings are from 7pm until 9pm and take place at Whitletts primary on October 7, Braehead primary on October 8 and Dalmilling primary on October 27.

Anyone wishing to make their voice heard on the issue should write to the Executive Director for Children and Community, County Buildings, Ayr, KA7 1DR, or email whitlettsconsultation@ea.sayr.sch.uk no later than Friday, November 6.