Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 9:52am

'We'll fight for our kids'

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By Rosalyn Campbell

PROTEST: Kirklandneuk School deserves better, say parents and pupils

A PROTEST against 'unfair' council plans has gathered momentum, with parents vowing they 'will not disappear' until the future of their children's education is guaranteed.

The Kirklandneuk Primary parents are upset at plans for their children to be temporarily schooled for a year in Moorpark Primary, which has been earmarked for demolition because it is not fit for purpose.

Parents are instead calling for the new St James' Primary to be built first, with the Kirklandneuk pupils moved there while their own school is upgraded.

A Facebook group, called Kirklandneuk School Deserves Better, now has 110 members, with parents hitting out at the council for its 'evasive and unsatisfactory answers' and what they claim is a failure to address their fears.

Mum-of-one, Kerry McMillan, blasted: "I think the council is underestimating the number of people who are disgusted by this decision.

"The council say that [Moorpark Primary] is fit for purpose in the context of a temporary decant.

"If it is not acceptable on a permanent basis, then it is not acceptable for a temporary basis, especially when the school roll is going to be so high.

"Our children's education is at stake and temporary or not, they must be provided with adequate facilities.

"The whole community of Renfrew must stand strong and show the council that we care for our young and will not accept its unfair proposal."

Dad-of-two Martin Cavan added: "I realise this is by no means a simple issue, however, surely the concerns raised about all of our children's welfare merits time to be fully and fairly addressed."

Renfrewshire Council has said the Moorpark building will be adapted so that it is 'fit for purpose' for the year, but Kirklandneuk parents insist that minor adaptation is not enough for a school described as needing 'substantial investment'.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said the council was writing directly to a parent who expressed concern, answering all of the detailed questions.

He added: "We are consulting fully with parents and the local parent council backs the proposed approach at Kirklandneuk Primary School.

"The council has a track record of successfully decanting pupils while schools are being refurbished.

"We have a duty of care for our pupils and we would not put them into any environment that is unsafe or overcrowded.

"The decant at Kirklandneuk is a vital part of a multi-million pound investment in the future of our young people."