Fabiani urges rethink on Strathaven Academy rebuild

Strathaven based MSP Linda Fabiani again raised the issue in Parliament of the council’s flawed plans to decant pupils to East Kilbride whilst rebuilding Strathaven Academy, during a debate on school transport safety in the Scottish Parliament last night (Thursday). The MSP urged the council to finally listen to the serious concerns which have been expressed by parents, pupils and members of the local community about their plans, put the needs of the Avondale community first, and investigate alternative sites for the school.

Ms Fabiani said:

“I raised the issue of the Strathaven Academy rebuild during the debate on school transport safety as it is a frustrating example of safety issues and the concerns of the local community being steamrollered over by the council during its decision making process.

It is staggering the way the council have stubbornly refused to re-consider their plan to bus Strathaven Academy pupils to East Kilbride for 2 years, despite public protest, without fully considering the safety implications, and without investigating the alternative options”

During the debate Transport Minister Tavish Scott agreed with me that the safety issues which could arise from this long-distance decant were an extremely important matter, so it’s time for South Lanarkshire Council to also start taking them seriously.

The important safety considerations I raised are just one aspect of a PFI funded school rebuild plan which is overly expensive, ill-considered and ill-fitted to the needs of the community. It is still not too late for the council to listen to the reasoned voices of the campaigners, act in the interests of Avondale’s students, and investigate other options which would avoid this unnecessary disruption to their education. “