Carrick’s kids deserve better
Councillor demands Academy be torn down
Calls have been made for crumbling Carrick Academy to be torn down after it was revealed the building is in a dangerous state.
There is a gaping hole in the top floor, giving a view to the classroom below, and windows do not open.
The Maybole secondary is to undergo a £ 7million refurbishment starting in 2021.
But Independent councillor Brian Connolly said that is too late and the entire school must go.
He said: “The building should be replaced. The upper floor has a crack in it and it is possible to see down to the classroom below. They have tried to solve the problem by covering it over with a carpet. The rain is also coming in the windows. The staff have to use bins to catch the rain.
“Carrick pupils have been short- changed in the school estate. They have been put to the back of the queue. It is an aged building and conditions are not good.
“My 87- year- old mother went to this school in the same building. Meanwhile, all other pupils in South Ayrshire are sitting in a brand new or recently built secondary school.”
Councillor Connolly raised the shocking state of the high school at last week’s full South Ayrshire Council meeting.
Councillor William Grant ( SNP) demanded the 2021 makeover date be brought forward, saying: “It is falling to bits. They can’t open windows, they can’t do anything with it. We need to push that [ date] forward.”
The council budget document said: “Major maintenance works are required at the school, which has a condition rating of poor. Investment will be required to address the condition issues at this school.”
Meanwhile, building work is continuing on the new £ 25m Ayr Academy, which is due to open in August.
And pupils at Queen Margaret Academy have been promised a new secondary by 2020.
Marr College in Troon is also undergoing a major makeover.