Council 'did not get it right' over school relocation

A council has agreed to drop plans to move a primary into the grounds of a nearby high school after hearing parental opposition "loud and clear".

East Berwickshire councillor James Anderson said Scottish Borders Council "did not get it right" with its proposals in Eyemouth but could "reset" and start again.

Hundreds of objections were received after the local authority announced the plans in the summer.

Now the council has promised widespread community engagement as well as offering reassurances over funding before coming up with new proposals.

Executive member for education, Julie Pirone, said the council had "listened to Eyemouth".

However, she stressed that the need for a new primary was a pressing issue and the town had been waiting "far too long".

"The teaching is superb but the building is well past its sell-by date," she said.

"It is right that we look again at this.

"I hope that the community and parents see this as an olive branch."

East Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton asked for a comprehensive engagement plan to be drawn up and reassurances provided over the availability of funding which was agreed by councillors.

"What has been clear is how loved and respected the primary school is," she said.

"I am sorry this council underestimated the strong feeling about this.

"We must keep up the momentum and work together to deliver a new school that the community of Eyemouth deserve."

The plans for a £15m relocation would have seen the high school "reconfigured and extended" to include the new facility.

The old primary would have been demolished and a new early learning centre built on the site.

It generated hundreds of responses raising issues about the ability of the high school site to cope with increased numbers and safeguarding concerns.

Mr Anderson backed proposals by his fellow councillor for the area in seeking widespread engagement.

"As ward members our community should always come first," he said.

"Withdrawing this consultation isn't a defeat - it is a reset and a necessary one.

"It is an opportunity to do things properly, respectfully and transparently but, most importantly, together with the public.

"Today we acknowledge that we did not get it right but tomorrow we begin to get it right, we can start again."

The move has been given a cautious welcome by parents who said they want assurances that the £15m for the project is still available to the town.