Angus tots have been caught in the political crossfire of a row over future funding for early years provision.
As part of a drive to almost double the number of hours provided for pre-school kids, purpose-built early years centres are to be built in Carnoustie and Forfar capable of accommodating more than 350 youngsters.
The facilities at Pitskelly Park in Carnoustie and a yet to be confirmed Forfar site will be built with a £5 million Scottish Government helping hand are the biggest individual construction projects being undertaken as part of the council’s early years expansion programme.
The Carnoustie centre will be completed by late 2019, with the Forfar campus scheduled for opening by mid-2020, but while councillors welcomed the major advance in provision, policy and resources committee councillors became embroiled in a row over how provision will be paid for in the longer term.
“This is a good news story for Angus children,” said SNP group leader, Forfar councillor Lynne Devine.
“The Scottish Government promised to increase the number of hours for pre-school children to 1140 from 600 to give as many children between two and four years old more opportunities for outdoor learning, language development, vocabulary enrichment, confidence building and social interaction – all basic but essential building blocks for their future learning.
“Now the Scottish Government has put its money where its mouth is and is providing both capital and revenue funding to enable the council not only to enlarge and improve our existing facilities, but to build these two exciting buildings in Carnoustie and Forfar where the demand is highest.
“Local members really appreciate the communication which they have had over these particularly in Carnoustie where they started discussions at the beginning of the year.
“These stunning facilities will be fantastic for both children and their families,” said Ms Devine.
Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative councillor Derek Wann, vice-convener of the area’s children and learning committee said: “This is a welcome investment, but I have concerns over it lasting.
“Like in other areas, will the Scottish Government allow our council to continue providing this or will our funding be cut?”
Forfar and District Conservative member Braden Davy added: “Like other things this is a great investment but will it last?
“Parents may come to rely and on this, and children may come to expect it, but will the Scottish Government guarantee the funding will last?
“Like in other areas, will they reduce funding for local projects to pay for failures at Holyrood. Will funding be cut because their recent budget has a huge unexpected black hole which will leave councils and parents picking up the tab.”
Carnoustie Independent Brian Boyd said: “This is great news that we have found the right site in Carnoustie – this will be built where it needs to be.”
