Dumfries and Galloway MSP’s, Joan McAlpine, Finaly Carson and Emma Harper have all released statements against the proposed closures of local primary schools at Kirkbean and Garlieston in our region.
Joan McAlpine says the closure of Ae and Kirkbean schools will have a ‘devastating impact on the community.’
The MSP – who lodged her submissions against the proposed closures yesterday October the 2nd 2017 – also said that the Council was not taking into account the educational benefits of smaller class sizes.
Ms McAlpine has been supporting communities battling to save their schools from closure since she was first contacted by parents.She said:
“The strength of feeling in Ae and Kirkbean in support of their school is palpable, and I have been impressed with how the communities have come together to fight these proposals.”
“Parents are rightly angry that the Council is putting the future of their communities and their children’s education at risk, particularly since there have been so many flaws in the consultation process.”
The campaign against the closures got a welcome boost this week when Sandy Longmuir of Scottish Rural Schools Network stepped in to support the parents.
Mr Longmuir accused the Council of multiple breaches of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 . In a complaint to the Council he said:
“Time after time we have seen financial cases constructed from the desired answer backwards. In this case there is a bias in the errors favouring the closure argument.
“I cannot conceive of any way that documents of this standard will not result in a call in (from Scottish Ministers). Natural justice demands that at the very least.
“So many times in the past Councils have claimed that the proposals are about education and financial considerations are secondary. Even if this were true in this case it is not an excuse for getting it so badly wrong.”
Ms McAlpine said that it was fantastic to have Sandy on board fighting on behalf of the parents.
The MSP said that the proposal documents show the Council’s consultation was no more than a “cut and paste” job, and falls short of the requirements laid down by the 2010 Act.
The Act stipulates a presumption against rural school closures and lays down strict obligations on the part of the Council to prove any closure will bring educational benefits, among other things.
Last week the Education Secretary reiterated this point, after Ms McAlpine raised questions over the proposed closures in Parliament.
Ms McAlpine also said that if the local authority pressed ahead with the closure plans she would also urge Scottish ministers to call the decision in for review.She said:
“Our Scottish Government passed laws with the presumption against rural school closures, because we understand that schools are critical to the health of rural communities, and once the school goes you won’t get it back again, which has a huge impact on the village.
“I will fight these closures every step of the way.”
Ms McAlpine was contacted last week by parents from Garlieston and will submit to the consultation on their behalf also.
She is encouraging members of the community to submit their own views before the consultation closes tonight.
South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has also urged Dumfries and Galloway Council to ditch plans to close primary Schools in the west of the region.
The council is currently inviting views from the public over whether to close Garlieston and Kirkbean Primary schools.Ms Harper said:
“I firmly believe that the school closures should not go ahead and have made my views known to the Council in my consultation response.
“These proposals do not have the support of the local communities, or the parents.
“The Scottish Government has legislated for a presumption against rural school closures, and I am strongly in favour of this presumption.
“Evidence shows a strong correlation between school closures in rural areas, and a resulting decline in population. I was extremely concerned to read the Council’s alarmingly pessimistic population projections contained within the proposals.
“There are opportunities on the horizon to rejuvenate rural communities in the south west. Instead of writing these communities off the Council should be outlining how they plan to grow the population so that rural schools do not face closure.
Ms Harper added:
“Mr Longmuir has successfully fought rural school closures across the length and breadth of Scotland. I am delighted that he is offering assistance to parents and will be submitting to the consultation.”
Local MSP Finlay Carson has also shown his support for retaining Garlieston and Kirkbean Primary Schools amidst fears they may be closed.
In his submissions to the statutory consultation on the closure of both Garlieston and Kirkbean Primary Schools, Carson highlighted the importance of these schools to their communities.
The consultation comes after Dumfries and Galloway Council announced proposals to close three rural schools in the region, Garlieston, Kirkbean and Ae Primary schools.
In his submission, Carson questions what earlier steps the council has taken to ensure the sustainability of the schools, including developing the schools estate as a community hub or integration of early years services.
Commenting, Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson said:
“Rural communities across Scotland are under pressure as more and more people move to larger towns and cities. If we want to develop and strengthen rural Scotland we need to put the investment into local services and infrastructure.
“Without a school in Garlieston or Kirkbean young families are much more likely to move from the area, which would have a hugely detrimental effect on these communities.
“I do not believe that Dumfries and Galloway Council have fully explored all of the options open to them to make these schools sustainable.
“I fully support the parents, teachers and local communities of Garlieston and Kirkbean in their efforts to ensure that neither of these fantastic schools close their doors.”
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Tuesday the 3rd of October. Submissions can be sent to [email protected]
