PARENTS are invited to a public meeting tonight to influence how a proposed £20-million budget is spent on new school provision in Renfrew.
Renfrewshire council wants to close Moorpark primary school next June then extending its catchment to Kirklandneuk and Newmains primaries by August.
This will make way for redesign and upgrade of Kirklandneuk primary and rebuilding of St James' pr
imary, incorporating Moorpark's pre-five centre.
Full details will be spelled out at tonight's St James' meeting (starts 7pm) by council representatives who believe the authority's proposals will benefit children socially and culturally, as well as increasing available resources and deployment of staff.
Secretary Helen Brown (51) was a parent councillor at St James' primary until the summer.
She told The Extra: "It is in definite need of refurbishment. It was an old school with water pouring in and the heating wouldn't work properly.
"Just before I left the parent council we had an HMIE inspection and were told repairs were needed and there would be an announcement shortly.
"If I was still a parent at St James I would be over the moon with a newbuild as it's just what is needed".
Full-time mum Margaret Spalding (34) has just moved to the Moorpark area from Lochwinnoch.
Eldest son Michael (three) starts school next August, and will attend Kirklandneuk instead of Moorpark primary.
Margaret told The Extra: "It's not immediately handy for us, but Michael's dad drives down Paisley Road to work so it won't be an issue.
"It's inconvenient the school is closing but I'd rather my children had the best-possible education environment, and I know Moorpark is really beyond repair".
According to the consultation document, Moorpark primary has an overall grade C - (itals) poor - for teaching areas, social spaces and
facilities.
St James' has a grade B listing hence no plans to demolish.
Meanwhile, Renfrewshire council has not actually identified sufficient capital funding to progress this project costed at £20 million.
But a source said it "was anticipated that the Scottish government allocation of additional funding to support improvements to the school estate will make this viable".
Consultation papers, in circulation since October 1, must be returned with written comments by November 30. Before then two more public meetings are planned -- visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk for dates and venues.
The report of consultation results will be presented to the education policy board on December 16.
