Council taking time to make ‘right decision’ over catchments

Parents, pupils and staff affected by proposed changes to secondary school catchments in west Fife have been assured the council will take time to find the right solution for the area.

It follows the latest delay in the process amid concern Masterton Primary pupils could be rezoned out of Dunfermline and into the Inverkeithing High catchment.

Fife’s education and children’s services committee decided not to progress with statutory consultation on the issue on Tuesday and instead asked for an alternative proposal paper, which would look at rezoning addresses within the Tulliallan, Torryburn, Limekilns, Canmore, Pitreavie and Commercial Primary catchment areas only.

Overcrowding issues at Woodmill High have still not been resolved, however, and while officials continue to seek a solution the school is on course to exceed capacity in August next year.

Committee convener Councillor Fay Sinclair said: “We understand this means further uncertainty for parents and pupils at these schools but the elected members on the committee did not feel able to agree to consult with communities on the proposals which were set before us.

“We appreciate the urgency but at the same time feel it is better to take time to reach the right decision. These changes will affect children across the Dunfermline and south-west Fife area and we have a duty to make sure that any changes are properly thought through.”

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said it was clear the proposal to deal with capacity issues at Woodmill had been “inadequate”.

“This is welcome news for parents in Masterton, whose children faced the prospect of being split by a change to the Masterton catchment area,” she added.

“I am now looking forward to positive engagement from Fife Council in the coming months to find a solution.”