Parents are urging council chiefs to reconsider a decision to allow the public to use a school gym.

Renfrewshire Council is to open the gym at Park Mains High, in Erskine, during school hours, meaning both pupils and the public will use the same leisure facilities.

Officials say they will install a partition between areas used by pupils and the public and that schoolkids will be supervised by an adult at all times.

However, mum-of-four Brenda MacKenzie is among those who believe the move is a bad idea.

She told The Gazette: “I don’t believe enough has been done to consult with parents.

“We want a proper discussion and to ensure we are listened to by the council.”

The facilities will replace the existing gym at Erskine Sports Centre.

However, Councillor Jim Harte, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, has expressed concerns.

He said: “It is extraordinary that a decision of this magnitude and importance has been taken without involving parents, teachers and pupils.

“The safety of our young people should be paramount and it is criminal if discussions haven’t taken place with all those who would be affected by this decision.”

Cllr Harte added that the plans should be abandoned until there has been “real and meaningful engagement” with parents, teachers and young people.

However, council chiefs have defended the decision.

A spokesperson said: “Park Mains High was designed specifically to accommodate shared community sports facilities and this model works effectively in other schools in the area.

“The safety of our pupils is paramount and all pupils remain safe and supervised.

“Safety measures in place include separate controlled access to the gym for members of the public and separate changing facilities, physical partitions within the gym to ensure privacy for pupils and supervision by both Renfrewshire Leisure staff members and school staff, who are all subject to the national vetting procedures.

“Parents have been consulted through the Parent Council, who toured the altered gym facility, and any concerns raised have been taken on board.”