Crombie Primary campaigners have claimed a consultation on the school’s closure is in breach of national legislation.
Fife Council is canvassing opinion on a proposal to close the school and rezone the catchment area of Limekilns Primary School. The consultation will close on May 15.
However, members of Crombie Residents’ Association have drawn up a lengthy reply to the plans.
They claim the consultation is in breach of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
The association said in their report: “The rebuttal is of the relevant closure proposal to close Crombie Primary School and as such, not deal with the relevant proposal for rezoning of the catchment area to Limekilns.
“The repeated relevant closure proposal to close Crombie Primary School is flawed, misleads elected members and should not be implemented.”
According to the residents’ association, closing the school would result in “little or no saving”.
The report continued: “It has survived the Great Depression, the Second World War, two depressions and four recessions.
“After 88 years, it is still rated B for condition, suitability, accessibility and A for carbon footprint.
“Is it not reasonable to presume that, with the support of Fife Council, Crombie Primary School should be able of continuing to provide for the education of the Crombie community and the surrounding rural community for many years to come? Crombie Primary School does not meet the occupancy guidelines of Fife Council.
“However, using the data for all of the designated rural schools on the Scottish Ministers’ list that do not meet the guidelines, it would be necessary to close 50% 436 of Scottish primary schools.
“Crombie Community Council does not believe in fighting battles it cannot win and does not expect to lose this one.
“However, to be realistic, we have to accept that as the elected members are listening but not hearing the electorate, if we are unable to succeed on financial and legal argument the closure proposal will be voted through against the wishes of the electorate.
“In that event Crombie Residents’ Association has already indicated its reluctant acceptance of rezoning to Limekilns Primary School.”
Views are now being sought from parent councils, community councils, pupils, staff and politicians. A report on the consultation is expected on June 9.
Picture by David Wardle