School closure plan going before council

A SCHOOL has been targeted for closure as part of a costsaving review, it has emerged.

Council bosses have earmarked Perth’s Balhousie Primary for the axe, with plans to move its 100 pupils to a new £16 million school at North Muirton.

The proposal will go before members of the authority’s lifelong learning committee for approval this week. It follows an extensive five-month consultation, which revealed overwhelming opposition to any school closures.

During discussions, parents at Balhousie rejected options to shut the school, preferring an alternative plan to keep it open and make improvements to the building. The B-listed school dates back to 1908, when it was opened as the Northern District Primary. It was designed by renowned local architect George Young, who also helped rebuild Perth Theatre after a fire in the 1920s.

The school has a capacity of about 50% and its condition is graded as C, meaning it is in need of improvements. In their report to committee, service manager Carol Taylor and project officer Gareth Findlay said: “The only reasonable option is to close Balhousie. Pupils would be transferred to a new North Muirton Primary, once built. This option will provide well designed, modern teaching spaces.”

The report said the move would provide best value for the council, with savings of more than £250,000.