“Deep concerns” over the potential merger of two Arbroath schools have been raised following a “very heated” debate organised as part of the consultation process.
Angus Council has unveiled plans to build an £8 million primary school on land beside historic Hospitalfield House to replace Muirfield and Timmergreens primaries. However, at a meeting held in Arbroath High School many parents, residents and opposition councillors expressed their fear that the decision was a “fait accompli” as well as speaking of their worries over the implications for road safety and traffic congestion.
The protests come despite education convener Peter Nield’s assertion that the 500-pupil establishment which could be open as early as August 2013 if proposals are approved would be an “excellent” development for the town.
The move has already been shrouded in controversy after it emerged that a large proportion of the responses to surveys issued by the local authority concerning the plans were found to have come from the same computer.
Now SNP councillor Paul Valentine has insisted it is vital that the council listens to the views of the public, especially parents who have concerns about their children crossing the busy A92 road at the Westway Retail Park.
“As a member of the education committee I think it is important that other members and I attended the meeting to hear exactly what the public’s views are,” he said. “The deep concerns from both parents and residents were made very clear in what at times was a very heated debate.
“The concerns, especially those involving traffic and crossing at the Westway, need to be rectified. But these questions remain unanswered.”
Mr Nield has urged everyone concerned to represent their views to the council, to equip officials with the information necessary to make decisions on how to proceed with the plans.
“There was a cross-section of the public at the meeting. Some were for the school and some were against it,” he said on Wednesday night. “Some were unhappy about the issue of crossing at the Westway and we will take everyone’s concerns up but it’s important that as many people as possible respond, even if they are in favour of the school.
“This will be the first school built in the town in 30 years and it is going to offer us an opportunity to meet 21st century educational needs. It will be adapted for the future and the demands presented by the Curriculum for Excellence.”