Delight as Wick schools plan gets green light
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PLANS to make Wick the "leading light" of the Highlands are back on track after getting the go-ahead from the Scottish Government.
A month-long investigation by ministers into the consultation process for two new primary schools ended yesterday, and local councillor and chairman of the local authority’s education, culture and sport committee, Bill Fernie, is delighted that the scheme can now move forward.
The Highland Council has been given the go-ahead to proceed with plans to replace the four primary schools in Wick with two new purpose-built schools serving the north and south of the town.
This is in addition to a new high school with community facilities which is set to open at the same time and new town-centre council offices, work on which will get under way later this year – all of which will put the town firmly on the map, said Mr Fernie.
"We’re looking ahead 50 years here," he said. "If we are going to bring Wick into the 21st century and put ourselves on the map then this is going to do it.
"In terms of making Wick a place to come to for families, this really will change the ball game."
Scottish education cabinet secretary Michael Russell was asked to look over the consultation process on the primary schools after fears were raised by a majority of parents at Hillhead Primary School.
They were concerned that the documents contained an "exact copy" of a statement relating to a school in north Tayside.
At the time the Highland Council defended its use of Angus Council’s document for the Arbroath schools project claiming it was only a generic framework and presented "a model template of good practice" that set out features that would appear in any new primary school in Scotland.
Mr Russell yesterday confirmed that he is content for the council to go through with plans to join Hillhead and North school together in a new building in Girnigoe Street, along with a similar merger between Pulteneytown Academy and South school at a new facility alongside the planned new high school.
Mr Fernie hailed the decision as a "positive outcome" for the town and said the council hopes to have children at their new desks by 2015.
"I’m pleased we haven’t had a long wait and it really doesn’t hold up any of the planning issues that we might have had if it had dragged on for a couple of months," he said.
"When completed these projects mean that Wick will have one of the best provisions for educational facilities in the Highlands and they will go a long way to promote regeneration.
"When combined with the new Wick High school and new community facilities such as the swimming pool and library we will have created one of the best learning and recreational environments in Scotland."
The school to the north is estimated to cost £10.5 million and cater for approximately 390 pupils. The new school serving the south of the town would cater for 340 pupils at an estimated cost of £9.225m.
Mr Fernie said he hoped that the new primary schools would progress at the same time as the new community high school.
Council officials will now look at forming stakeholder groups for the new schools to get plans drawn up as well as sorting out the delivery of the funding – around three quarters of which is coming from the Scottish Government through the Scottish Futures Trust.
Mr Fernie said there is a "good chance" that the two primary schools and high school would go out to tender as one contract spread out over a number of years to ensure the best value for money.
The Government will also work to ensure local contractors get a fair piece of the action.
The Highland Council’s director of education, culture and sport, Hugh Fraser, said that there will be a condition regarding traffic safety but that he expects this to be dealt with in the traffic impact assessment which is part of the next stage in the project.
However, Dr Ewen Pearson, chairman of Hillhead’s parent council, remains unconvinced.
He said yesterday: "I do not think there has ever been an adequate explanation about why the copied educational benefits statement is acceptable. I have still not seen any evidence that closing Hillhead will benefit any of our pupils.
He added: "There also remain concerns about safe access to the new school site. Ackergill Street was acknowledged by the council to be a priority in 2007 and planned to be made one way, but it has not changed since then."
'The best outcome for our children'
"I feel that this is the best outcome for the educational benefits of our children and that has to be the priority here. In a few years Wick will have three 21st century schools; fit for equipping our children with the tools they will need to be successful in life and the careers they choose.
"I think that the parents who put representations to the minister were right to do so as they felt that there were issues that were not being addressed, but now that he has given the schools the green light I hope that nothing else will detract from the unique opportunity that Wick has been given.
"There are stipulations regarding the safer routes to school and the travel plans that definitely need to be examined I look forward to working with officials at the Highland Council, parents, the sub-groups, the staff and our MSP to ensure the best possible outcome for the safety, wellbeing and education of the children and the wider community in Wick and the surrounding areas." Councillor Gail Ross
"It’s very welcome that they have approved these plans.
"Still I’m slightly concerned that time has been wasted with the call-in.
"The few concerns that were raised were very much on our agenda anyway and I look forward to all systems go now and no further delays."
Councillor Graeme Smith
"It is excellent news for the town of Wick and am delighted that the decision has come quickly and work can now progress with the new builds.
"Personally, as a mum of two, I am delighted that my children will have the opportunity to be taught in brand new schools."
Ruth Black, chairwoman of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council
