MAYBOLE SCHOOL CLOSURE SHELVED

Dec 17 2010 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

PROTESTORS are celebrating after the council shelved the plans to close a primary school.

There will now be a full scale public consultation across North Carrick following the Cairn Primary decision.

The plan to merge Maybole’s Cairn and Gardenrose primaries was announced in October this year as part of the council’s cost cutting measures.

But the proposals were met with outrage from parents at both schools.

Protests were held almost immediately and hundreds of letters and emails were sent to the council opposing the idea.

Following the public outcry the plans were put to the council panel which scrutinises decision. It recommended it be reconsidered by South Ayrshire’s decision making leadership panel.

When it met on Tuesday, head of educational resources Brian McInroy outlined the results of the scrutiny panel.

Mr McInroy stated that he had received letters from parents in other villages angry at one of the proposals suggesting that Cairn P7s may be educated at Carrick Academy. They believe that this will give these pupils an educational advantage.

He then went on to suggest that there is merit in expanding the public consultation.

Education spokesman Councillor Hywel Davies agreed, stating: “These proposals were only brought forward as a way of making financial savings, no more.”

But Councillor Davies insists that tight budgets mean the situation remains difficult.

Councillor Douglas Campbell also stated that hard decisions have to be made.

He said: “The new budget has to meet many needs but what we have to think about with this is what will be the best education for children in our area.”

Following the recommendation by the scrutiny panel it was decided that the public consultation will be widened to take in all the village primaries that feed into Carrick Academy.

The news was announced to parents and children at the school nativity play on Tuesday afternoon.

Alison Purdie is chairman of the parent teacher association.

She said: “Everyone cheered and clapped. It’s great news.”

Lea-anne Valdrighi, vice chairman of Cairn parents protest group, was also thrilled that the plans are being halted.

She said: “We are delighted with the result of the leadership panel meeting. I would personally like to thank all the parents and extended families who supported us, sent letters and protested with us.”

Tory Maybole and North Carrick councillor, Ann Galbraith also passed on her congratulations to the driven group saying: “I am absolutely delighted the leadership panel took on the recommendation from last week`s scrutiny panel not to continue with the consultation process for the closure of Cairn and merger with Gardenrose. I congratulate the parents in particular for the intelligent campaign they have conducted throughout which I am sure contributed to this decision this morning.”

And Labour’s Maybole and North Carrick councillor, Sandra Goudie added: “This is a triumph for scrutiny – I am delighted that the leadership panel has recognised the importance of the comments of scrutiny and have now agreed to further consultation with the parents prior to taking a final decision.”

And SNP councillor for Maybole and North Carrick, Mairi Low said: “I am delighted at the decision of the leadership panel based on the findings of the scrutiny panel in respect of Cairn and Gardenrose Primaries.”