PLANS have been unveiled for a new high school in Johnstone.

Labour has vowed to build a multi-million pound replacement for Johnstone High if it retains control of Renfrewshire Council at next month’s local authority elections.

The new building would be based on or near the existing school site, with pupils able to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities.

However, the project’s future is far from certain, with some pundits predicting Labour will struggle to stay in power at Renfrewshire House when voters go to the ballot box on May 4.

Councillor Derek Bibby, who is one of the Labour candidates in the Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch ward, insists the existing school – built in 1965 – has had its day.

Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, he said: “There’s enough money to build the school and, if re-elected, it would be one of Labour’s priorities to build it.

“Money would be set aside for a new Johnstone High and not spent on anything else.

“There is enough land around the school to either rebuild on the current location or nearby.

“Although there are no specific issues with the current Johnstone High, it was built in 1965, so it’s ready for an upgrade.

“A brand new 21st-century design will drive up the quality of the children’s learning environment.”

Cllr Bibby said work on formal proposals for design concepts would start immediately if a Labour administration is returned in Renfrewshire next month.

Senior education officers at the council would then be tasked with providing fully-costed options, which would be subject to consultation with parents, staff and pupils.

Cllr Bibby added: “For this ward, this is a priority if we return to power.

“Labour kept its promise in 2012 to reinstate school buses. There was also an investment in the school estate, with the announcement of a £1.5 million refurbishment of St Anthony’s Primary being the latest example.

“And it was a Labour council that previously built a new St Benedict’s High School in Linwood.

“We are proud of our record on education and our future plans are to ensure we give this current and future generations of young people the best learning environment we can provide.

“I think parents will overwhelmingly welcome this.”

However, Ron Ewing, chair of Johnstone Community Council, has doubts about Labour’s proposals.

He said: “It is a good idea and I’m sure a lot of people would be happy about the concept but it will be interesting to find out more details about the plans though and to see if they actually carry through with this.”