PLANS to build a new school for children living in Dargavel Village have taken a step forward.

Elected members approved proposals to provide a school for around 430 pupils hailing from the Bishopton housing development at a meeting last week.

Councillor James MacLaren had asked education chiefs to consider the creation of a new primary school for the whole of the village, instead of one in addition to Bishopton Primary.

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The leader of the Conservative group, who represents Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, said the village needed to avoid a “them and us” situation.

The elected member for was hopeful of seeing one large school for all 740 estimated primary age pupils.

However, a funding arrangement agreed with the developer is related only to the number of pupils generated by families moving into new housing within Dargavel Village.

The Gazette:

Councillor James MacLaren said the village wanted to avoid an 'us and them' scenario 

And a report by education manager Ian Thomson said a single new-build school could not be delivered within the current agreement.

A school for 430 pupils is expected to cost just under £18million, while one for all 740 pupils in Bishopton would be nearer to £28m.

The report also explained the challenges posed by the creation of one large school in the village.

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While it accepted that one school for all 740 pupils would not negatively impact on the learning of its children, it said timetabling and congestion were among some of the difficulties.