Delayto school works
Strathyre Primary School pupils have been told it will be almost Christmas before they go back to their revamped building.
Stirling Council issued a statement yesterday afternoon (Thursday) saying there would be a further delay in completing the extensive £1.864million works at the school, which began in September last year.
Temporary arrangements to accommodate pupils at McLaren High School during the works were due to end for the start of the 2018/19 academic year in August.
However, severe winter weather and construction issues were blamed for the planned entry date being moved back until the October holidays.
The council now says that “due to circumstances outside its control” the work now won’t be completed until late October/early November, with the school not to move in until the week beginning December 17.
Trossachs and Teith councillor Martin Earl, however, told the Observer ward councillors had not been informed of the additional delay which had come ‘out of the blue’.
He added: “I have now asked an urgent question of the education service as to why this delay has occurred and what these ‘circumstances outside the council’s control’ actually
A Cambusbarron store was re-opened for business just hours after a large tree damaged its roof and flattened a car during Storm Ali.
The large tree toppled over,
are. For the council just to issue a statement in this way with no real explanation is unacceptable.”
The council said this week they recognised the disappointment but it would ensure pupils’ educational needs were met and minimise disruption.
Children and young people convener Councillor Susan McGill said: “Stirling Council is working with contractors to ensure the completion of the works to the highest possible standard and we are putting in every required resource to achieve this goal. Council staff are also on site regularly in order that the works are being delivered according to specifications and to check on progress. “To ensure a clean handover, we will use this additional time for thorough checks to ensure the new building is operational and ready for pupils and staff in December.
“Stirling Council thank the staff and pupils at McLaren High for their co-operation and assistance in making everyone at Strathyre feel welcome in their temporary home.”
Transport arrangements for pupils travelling from Strathyre Primary catchment area to Callander will remain in place until pupils and staff have returned to the new school.