Published: Monday, 9th October, 2006 14:05
Concern over school extension
By Campbell Hutcheson
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DEVELOPMENT work at a primary school in Peebles is raising concern among neighbouring residents.
Scottish Borders Council is progressing its plan to build a £700,000 extension at Priorsford, which has one of the highest school rolls in the Borders.
While expansion of the school is being welcomed, some local people are worried about its impact on the surrounding residential area.
The suitability of the streets for construction traffic (and possible conflict with pupils walking to school), the removal of two banks of trees and an increase in traffic resulting from the creation of 42-space parking area have become thorny issues.
These concerns will be addressed tonight (Friday) when local councillor Graham Garvie meets people living in the Kings- meadows area.
Ken Simpson, who lives in Kingsmeadows Gardens, said: “We accept that there’s a need for an extension at Priorsford.
“The primary school has grown a lot and there’s a need for more accommodation because the school is bursting at the seams.
“Being a teacher myself, I can appreciate that.
“With all the ground that’s available at the school, it seems strange to site the extension in that location.
“This is phase one of the works, but we are not being told what to expect in phase two.”
The extension is designed to include a general purposes/gym hall, a dining room, two classrooms, rooms for the staff and headteacher, stores, an office and changing rooms.
The footpath from Kingsmeadows Road to the school is a designated Safe Route to School.
During the construction period, an alternative route by Marmion Road is to be used.
Plant or construction vehicles will not be able to use Kingsmeadows Road when pupils are going to and from the school at peak times.
Councillor Garvie is aware of residents’ worries and is anxious that all parties have an input into the development.
He said: “We’re all trying to work together on this one — education officials, teachers, parents and residents.
“We all want to see the best facilities for the school and this meeting is a way of trying to find a common solution.”
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