No new schools planned in Galashiels for next 10 years

Ally McGilvray • Published 31 Jan 2012 09:30 1 Comment

NO new schools will be built in Galashiels for at least the next ten years, it was confirmed this week - unless councillors are given more cash.

Scottish Borders Council's ruling administration this week outlined its budget proposals for the coming financial year.

However, money was allocated for the new primary school at West Linton (£7.5million), new sports facilities at Peebles High School (£3.9million) and the Duns Primary School relocation (£3.5million).

SBC leader David Parker told the Border Telegraph: "We would like to spend more money in our capital programme if we could. We are seeing a reduction in capital spending UK wide and that impact is being felt in the Borders.

"Capital projects are very good because they deliver employment and new facilities and unfortunately because of the national squeeze on capital we are not able to be as ambitious as we would like."

Two years ago the council announced a comprehensive review of school provision in Galashiels was to be carried out. It was the first step in a process which could see new and refurbished primary schools in the town.

However, it was warned, it may result in some premises being merged or closed by Scottish Borders Council.

Councillor Parker said: "We don't at the moment have a new Kelso High School in the programme or a solution for the schools in Galashiels and there are other schemes out there in terms of roadworks that we would like to take forward.

"I'm not saying these schemes won't happen at some stage in the future, they certainly will - and I suspect the new council will look at them carefully - but, at the moment, over the next 10 years there is no clear figures or commitment for them because the capital funding doesn't look like it's there to fund them."

For more details on how the council plans to spend this year's £300million budget, pick up a copy of this week's Border Telegraph.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 31 Jan 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  BorderStu
  Unregistered User
  Jan 31, 18:40
  Report comment

  What about the need for a new primary school for the kids when Persimmons build their tents, I mean 500 houses at the far end of Langlee!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 2     No 0

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