Glasgow's Labour City Council is attempting to rush through the closure of 13 primary and 12 nursery schools across Glasgow. While they say the programme is not financially driven, it is clear from the speed with which they are trying to implement the plans that costs, rather than the impact on communities, has played a major part in the proposals.
In the Westminster constituency of Glasgow North, there are 3 primary schools in particular for which there is no sensible case for closure, even against the council's own criteria.
In the Wyndford area of Maryhill, both primary schools, Wyndford and St Gregory's, are facing closure. This is despite the fact that they already share a campus, that Wyndford has a school occupancy rate of 58% (far above the council's stated trigger of 40%) and that closing both would remove virtually the only community facility within an area which faces significant challenges.
In Cadder, St Agnes also faces closure, although its occupancy rate, at 66%, is the highest of all those threatened with closure. What's more, its average class size is 21, compared to 25 in the proposed alterative school, which is 1.4 miles away via a slippery path through wasteland or through the longer all road route.
In all 3 cases, the council seems to have decided on closure as a quick fix, without fully exploring the alternatives on the table.
Message from Katy Gordon, Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson for Glasgow North
"I and my colleagues Robert Brown MSP (former Education Minister) and local Councillor Mary Paris have been working closely with the parents of all 3 schools to raise awareness of the closure threat amongst local residents and to urge them to do all they can to prevent the plans succeeding.
"Success in saving the schools in the constituency rests on people such as yourself standing up for the community. Please spend a minute of your time signing our online petition - the more voices raised in protest, the more hope of success.
"Please also go to the City Council website and complete the online consultation response form(Proposals 6, 8 & 9). "Thank you for taking the time to help us and the parents to fight the closure plans."
Sign up to both petitions below!
I/we the undersigned oppose the closure of Wyndford's 2 Primary Schools (St Gregory's and Wyndford). We believe they are a vital part of the local community and must be kept open.
I / we the undersigned oppose the closure of St Agnes Primary School. We believe it is a vital part of the local community and must be kept open.
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