Schools repair bill tops £150m

The repair bill to make Moray’s crumbling school estate fit for purpose has now topped £150million.

The news emerged as the council revealed dozens of residents across the region are now demanding shutting or merging rural classrooms.

More than 5,000 people took part in a lengthy budget consultation with the authority about ways to trim £12million from the accounts.

Now, in feedback published by the council, it has become clear some residents want to see schools closed to help balance the books.

Last night, Moray Council leader George Alexander said that explaining the perilous financial situation to parents had opened their eyes to the problems facing education in the area.

He added: “The report says it was an emotive topic, it certainly was – but I would like to see the emotion taken out of it and talk about it as you would any other service.

“A lot of people will never waver from wanting to keep their local school, but when you explain it rationally it does make them appreciate the benefits for the kids.

“A lot of the schools were opened when the rural population was much larger. It just doesn’t work now. We need fewer but better schools.”

George Alexander: emotive topic