PARENTS are calling for work on a new nursery and revamped primary school in Johnstone to be brought forward.

St Anthony’s Primary is set to be given a much-needed makeover, while unused grounds in Spateston could be the site of a new pre-school.

Members of Renfrewshire’s Education and Children Policy Board are expected to rubber-stamp the plans at a meeting tomorrow.

However, members of the St Anthony’s Parent Council claim that plans to refurbish the school and build the nursery have been put back by a year.

They also claim that Renfrewshire Council has spent some of the £6.5million put aside for the school refurbishment, with the total spend being reduced to around £4million.

Parent Council chairperson and mother-of-two Tracie McGee, who has a child at St Anthony’s Primary, said the local authority must listen to the wishes of staff, parents and children.

She added: “We hadn’t heard anything from the council about when work is due to start, so we asked for a meeting around Christmas time, but it isn’t likely to begin until next year.

“Children at the school gave their views and got involved in the planning but are now being told they have to wait longer for anything to happen, which is completely unfair.

“I don’t see why we should have to wait another year if the money is there, waiting to be used.”

Council chiefs last year agreed to close Spateston Pre-Five Centre and move youngsters into St Anthony’s Primary as the building was deemed to be in poor condition.

Construction on a new Spateston Pre-Five Centre is expected to start in the summer of 2018 and should be completed a year later.

Work to revamp St Anthony’s Primary is expected to get under way in January 2018 and finish in the summer of 2019.

Ms McGee said: “Funding for the project has dropped to around £4million as the cash has been tapped into while we’ve been waiting around for things to move forward.

“We have our breakfast and after-school club but we desperately need another nursery in the area.

“Money has been spent on other school projects. What does this mean for St Anthony’s and the nursery?

“If there is cash there, why do we have to wait another year to get started?

“We don’t want to have to sit around any longer.”

Councillor Iain McMillan, who represents Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood, has welcomed the plans for the revamped school and new nursery.

He said: “Spateston Nursery is a great facility for our children but needs upgraded and, if agreed, this new building will ensure our kids and grandkids will start their education in the best possible surroundings.

“Also, it is widely acknowledged that the pupils of St Anthony’s deserve to be learning in a better building than the one they are in and this major investment in the school will hugely improve the opportunities for local children and staff.

“This news will be welcomed by people in the Spateston and Corseford areas and beyond, given the wide catchment area of St Anthony’s.”

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, convener of Renfrewshire’s Education and Children’s Policy Board, added: “The council has been very open with parents and staff about the school investment plans.

“We met with them in October to ask their views on reconsidering the original proposals to bring the two together. At that time, we advised that we would seek the approval of councillors and go back to them after a decision was made.

“Education officials will attend the Parent Council meeting at the end of January.

“While the project will be completed a little later than originally anticipated, it will not be a year late.

“Parents have been kept fully informed about the funding approach for this new plan.”