Mix-up left councillor furious
Apology from convener
Perthshire Conservative councillors are back on good terms after a mix-up at a meeting last week left Councillor Ian James “furious.”
The Strathtay councillor had prepared to speak out in favour of saving Logiealmond Primary at the lifelong learning committee meeting, but was left fuming when he wasn’t allowed to speak.
Cllr James told the PA: “I had prepared to make a deputation at the lifelong learning committee on Wednesday (March 21) and I was not given the opportunity to speak.
“I was furious at the time but I have subsequently found out that it was due to a total misunderstanding for which I have received an apology from the leader of the council.
“For my part in the proceedings, I had spoken with the officers, headteacher, parents and other councillors when the report and recommendations were first brought forward.
“I had made strong representation to both the convenor of the committee and the leader of the council and they agreed with my findings that the school should remain open as there was little to be gained from its closure.
“The convenor agreed to an amendment to keep the school open but to reduce the capacity at Methven, which I did not disagree with. Cutting the capacity could in theory have benefits when it comes to contributions for education in the planning process. Ian James Cllr
“I must admit that I wasn’t an advocate of the four year timescale for a further review, but at least the school remains open which gives the parents and residents time to make a strong case for its future.
“I was gobsmacked and a little dismayed that the SNP hijacked this item in the manner that they did.
“In their quest for political point scoring and their aggressive, petty party politics, they appeared before the TV cameras and had posed for photographs with the press outside the council offices prior to the committee meeting.”
Committee convenor Cllr Caroline Shiers explained: “I had received notification that Cllr James wanted to speak to the committee based on the officer recommendation to close Logiealmond School.
“However, I then informed him and other members that I would be putting forward a motion to keep the school open and understood that Cllr James, who was very happy with this motion, would not be wanting to make a representation. I have apologised to Cllr James for any misunderstanding.
“I have spoken to Cllr James and Cllr Jarvis, who both represent the Strathtay ward, and they are delighted that Logiealmond School is to remain open.
“I have also been in contact with the parents who were present at the meeting and made an excellent deputation to the committee and encouraged them to work with the school and PKC to encourage local parents of pre-school aged children to have a look at the school and hopefully this will increase the school roll over the coming years.”
I wasn’t an advocate of the timescale