Concerns over delays in planned refurbishment work on a Moray primary school described by a local councillor as “unacceptable” are now being addressed.
It was revealed that the work on Milne’s Primary School would not be completed until 2017, a situation that Scottish Conservative councillor for Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Douglas Ross, brought forward at a recent meeting of the Full Council.
Now Councillor Ross has been given an assurance by the Director of Education and Social Care, Laurence Findlay, that officers will be looking at way of speeding up the planned improvements.
Councillor Ross said: “I was contacted after the Sustainable Education Review by a number of parents who were keen to see the upgrade for Milne’s Primary, which has been spoken about for some time, come to fruition.
“The fact that the SER removed any doubt about the future of the school should have meant the project was progressed and the construction completed.
“Unfortunately in my discussions with officers Milne’s Primary seemed to have fallen down the priority list and this has led to the competition date being delayed until 2017. I find this unacceptable given the need for these improvements has been highlighted for some time and what is required to address the problems is already known.
“At last week’s Full Council meeting I pressed officers to ensure this project is treated as a priority and while I realise there will always be competing demands I’m encouraged that senior officers have now met to discuss how we can move on with projects such as Milne’s Primary.
“Pupils, parents and staff all want these improvements to the school as soon as possible and if by devoting a little extra budget to ensuring the work to be undertaken by HQ staff can be accelerated and therefore reduce the total time to complete the project then I’m sure this will be welcomed by everyone with an interest in Milne’s Primary.”