MP SEEKS ASSURANCES OVER THREATENED SCHOOLS

3.26.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 31st Mar 2005

Gordon Liberal Democrat MP, Malcolm Bruce, today visited closure-threatened Chapel of Garioch Primary School, where he heard parents' concerns.

Aberdeenshire Council has proposed to build a new school in Logie Durno, which would replace Chapel of Garioch, Rayne North, Old Rayne and Logie Durno Schools. However, an alternative has also been offered that would involve replacing only Logie Durno School.

Malcolm Bruce commented:

"It is clear that parents at Chapel of Garioch Primary believe it is an excellent school It has a stable school roll, an active PTA and is a focal point for the local community. Parents are also worried about their children crossing the busy A96 to get to Logie Durno.

"It is unfortunate that two meetings planned by the Council to discuss their proposals have been cancelled, so parents feel that there has been a lack of dialogue and information. I very much hope that the third attempt at a meeting, scheduled for April, will now be successful. Obviously the consultation has to take its course, but I hope that none of the schools will be blighted by uncertainty for too long.

"I appreciate that a new school at Logie Durno is badly needed. However, I have written to the Council to seek assurances that none of the Chapel of Garioch, Old Rayne or Rayne North Schools will be forced to merge against the parents' and local community's wishes."