MSP demands freeze on school closure plans for five years

Angus Council has been pressed to safeguard the long-term future of Stracathro Primary School by implementing a five-year moratorium on any new closure plans.

The call comes after councillors agreed last week to end a controversial closure consultation proposal early.

Council leader Bob Myles gave an assurance at the time that the school’s fate would not be reviewed again in the life of the current administration.

Angus North and Mearns MSP Mairi Gougeon has now written to the authority’s chief executive Margo Williamson, citing the council’s legal obligations to impose a statutory five-year freeze on any future closure proposal for Stracathro and seeking details of when it will begin.

“I believe this is necessary to provide genuine clarity and certainty to the parents and pupils of Stracathro Primary School unsettled by this proposal,” said Mrs Gougeon.

Under the Scottish Government’s Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, rejected or withdrawn school closure proposals cannot be returned to within a five-year period.

It is believed the period will run from the date Angus Council publishes its official consultation report, which is expected by September.

Mrs Gougeon added: “The proposal was flawed, inaccurate, misleading and there were several key omissions.

“The only sensible course of action was the one Angus Council have now taken, albeit after causing unnecessary grief to the parents and pupils of the school.

“There is no sound educational reason for the closure proposal and the figures simply didn’t stack up.

“Thankfully, there are very strict laws governing school closure proposals and these must now be adhered to by Angus Council.

“A five-year moratorium provides a level of certainty but I would hope Stracathro Primary remains a permanent fixture.”