Parents' wishes defied in schools co-location

Jamie Borthwick • Published 24 Feb 2010 15:00

THE co-location of a Catholic and nondenominational school has been given the green light - despite overwhelming opposition to the plan.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the move to put St Joseph's Primary and nearby Edinbarnet Primary, in Faifley, on the same site.

Both schools would retain their identities while sharing some facilities.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) said the move would save money by combining the low roll schools into a larger building.

The idea - which councillors will vote on at a meeting tonight (Wednesday) - flies in the face of the public opinion which WDC sought over two public consultation meetings in November last year.

WDC Education director Terry Lanagan and councillor May Smillie, Education convenor, met with parents at St Joseph's Primary on November 30.

Around 50 residents turned up and just 11 per cent of respondents were in favour of co-location, 86 per cent were against, and the remaining three per cent undecided.

At the Edinbarnet Primary consultation, which took place on November 18, the 36 attendees were marginally in favour of a move to co-locate, with 52 per cent for the plans, 41 per cent against it and the rest undecided.

If councillors agree the recommendations, another consultation will take place to decide on the location of the schools, as well as an amalgamated Lennox and Auchnacraig Early Education and Childcare Centre on the same site.

Labour Education spokesman, councillor Patrick McGlinchey, has confirmed that his party will oppose the plans put forward by the council.

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 24 Feb 10

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