Plans to build a primary school in Burntisland, where pupils have to eat their lunch on the floor, have been approved by Fife Council.
The revelation was given by Councillor George Kay, who is one of the representatives for Burntisland, Kinghorn and Western Kirkcaldy, who said it was a “no brainer” regarding which choice the local authority had to make.
Members of Fife Council’s education committee met at Carnegie College’s Whitlock Energy Centre Collaboration Centre, Rosyth, to discuss a report on the proposals for a new primary school.
The preferred option of constructing a ‘new build’ located at East Toll Park at an estimated cost of £12.4 million was agreed by the committee, although a shortfall of £900,000 will have to be met.
Councillor Kay said he was like a “boy at Christmas” and that “Christmas had come today” with regard to his feelings about the new facility. And he encouraged committee members to pass the plan so he could take home the message to the children and their parents.
“I want to bring back a positive message to children and parents in Burntisland,” he said, “I am making a plea for a new build for this school.”
“There is a difference between qualitative and quantitative part of the shortfall of £900,000. That figure represents two days’ work elsewhere.Sitting on floor”This new school will mean that the children will actually have seats to eat their lunch. At present the children have to have their lunch whilst sitting on the floor how much more of that can we tolerate?”
“We must look to have a new build for this school.”
Committee convener Councillor Douglas Chapman added, “This new school in Burntisland will be fantastic. I am relaxed about the £900,000 shortfall.”
However, Councillor Kay Morrison, who is one of the representatives for Glenrothes North, Leslie and Markinch, said she thought the ‘shortfall’ was a lot of money and said she had “evidence” that certain members of the public did not trust Fife Council and saw it as the “big bad wolf.”
“It’s extremely important that we get a new primary school for Burntisland so we need to find that money,” she said.
“However, a lot of local people have been confused along the way so we need better communication.”
This was disputed by Mr Chapman and Mr Kay, who said the majority of people in Burntisland favoured a new school and were “enthusiastic” about it.
The committee agreed to a new build option, with work estimated to start on site in 2013 and be completed in 2014.