Convener opposes school closure

The future of Eassie Primary will be decided on Thursday

Angus Council's education convener intends to recommend that a closure-threatened school stays open.

Parents and locals have been campaigning since it was announced in April that Eassie Primary could shut.

If the school is retained, it will be the second time in three years that residents have successfully fought against closure.

Councillors will decide on Thursday if the primary should be kept open or shut for good at the end of this term.

It was expected that one teacher and 16 pupils would be attending the school after the summer holidays.

However, Angus Council proposed that the primary should close and pupils be sent to Newtyle instead.

It was claimed that the Eassie building was run down, pupil numbers were falling and there was a lack of PE facilities.

However, during the consultation period parents and locals rejected those claims.

Speaking ahead of next week's meeting, education convener Peter Nield, said: "It is the overwhelming support for the school's retention expressed during this consultation period that has led me to conclude that the closure of Eassie at the end of this school term should not be recommended.

This constant threat of being closed has a negative affect on the pupil roll - people don't send their kids to schools that are constantly under threat Gavin Durston Parent

"The small school roll remains a concern but the negative impact of that must be weighed against the positive impact such parental and community support of a school produces.

"That coupled with the high standard of education provided by our staff has for me tipped the balance in favour of the retention of the school at this time, and it is that course of action I will be recommending to the committee on Thursday."

Eassie parent Gavin Durston said: "I'm very pleased that he can see the benefits of keeping such a small school open. I'm glad he listened to the consultation and parents.

"I'm slightly concerned, looking at the report issued by the council, that there are no assurances given to the community that the school won't be looked at again in the short term.

"This constant threat of being closed has a negative affect on the pupil roll - people don't send their kids to schools that are constantly under threat.

"What we're looking for is some assurance that we are going to be safe in the foreseeable future."

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