City march over school closures

Glasgow City Council plans to close or merge 25 schools and nurseries

Hundreds of parents and children have marched through the centre of Glasgow in protest over plans to shut schools and nurseries in the city.

Police said between 800 and 1,000 protestors from the Save Our Schools Campaign gathered in George Square.

The group is opposing proposals which could see the closure of 13 primary schools and 12 nurseries.

A six week consultation is under way and a final decision, taken by the full council, is expected by 23 April.

Richie Venton, from Save Our Schools, said: "Parents and communities are up in arms at this butchery of our kids' future and our communities. There is no excuse for the closures."

Linzi Gamble, whose four-year-old son attends one of the affected nurseries, said: "There are a lot of angry people and emotions are running high amongst parents and staff.

These proposals should be halted in their tracks Bob Doris Glasgow MSP

The demonstrators were joined by politicians, including Solidarity leader Tommy Sheridan and Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris.

Mr Doris said: "This is no way to treat children, parents and the community.

"These proposals should be halted in their tracks and real engagement should start with parents.

"I fear that a decision on the fate of the city's schools has already been taken."

The council said the plans were put forward after education officials carried out a "city-wide assessment" of schools and nurseries.

This took into account educational benefit, building capacity and occupancy, transport arrangements and the wider community impact.

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