Published on:
22
March 2010
As the consultation period on the proposed new primary school for Alloa nears its end, Council Leader Janet Cadenhead has urged everyone to have their say.
Councillor Cadenhead is keen that every resident in Alloa takes this opportunity to express their views on the plans, and grabs this opportunity with both hands.
Submissions can be made up until the end of the month in writing, online via ClacksWeb or by filling in the feedback form on one of the consultation leaflets.
And a public meeting has been organised to gather comments and reaction from as wide a cross-section of local residents as possible.
The Council is consulting on a proposal to build a new school to accommodate pupils from both St John's and Claremont Primary Schools. The new school would be built at Redwell playing fields.
Councillor Cadenhead said: "This is a great opportunity which should be grabbed with both hands. In the past year we have seen what a difference it is making to our secondary school pupils to be educated within great, new buildings which are fit for purpose. Naturally, we also want the best for our primary-aged children. These plans are for the future benefit of all children in Alloa West and with central government funding available, this is too good an opportunity to miss. There are many benefits that could arise from the merger of these two schools and giving pupils the best possible educational opportunities is a priority for the Council."
The Scottish Government announced last year that it would in principle be prepared to provide some funding towards a new building for St John's and Claremont Primaries in Alloa.
The public meeting takes place on Tuesday 30th March at 7pm in Alloa Academy.
The meeting will be attended by Jim Goodall, the Council's Head of Schools, who will give a short presentation explaining what a new school might look like. He will also address some of the issues that have already been raised during the consultation process. Officers from other Council services will also be on hand to answer questions.
Councillor Cadenhead added: "I am urging anyone with an interest to have their say during this consultation period. The views of local people are very important and need to be considered before a final decision is made. The public meeting will be a chance to hear more about our proposals and the expected educational and wider community benefits that will come from merging these two schools."