Peeblesshire News | News | Pathetic painted protest

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 10th October, 2008 12:30

Pathetic painted protest

By David Knox and David O'Leary

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Workmen were greeted by some pitiful painting when they arrived at Neidpath Grazings on Tuesday morning.

Education chiefs were regularly accused of glossing over the facts when the controversial site was chosen more than two years ago.

But a new row has now erupted over the replacement primary - its name.

And classroom campaigners left their mark on Monday night by blotting out Kingsland from the towering signs above the A72.

Tweeddale councillor Catriona Bhatia has slammed the graffiti gripe. She told the Peeblesshire News: “This is an absolutely pathetic act and I hope whoever is responsible will go an appologise to the 400 pupils and staff at Kingsland Primary School.”

Kingsland’s 330 pupils are due to move into the new £10 million school during the Christmas holidays of 2009.

But many local community activists have voiced opposition to taking the Kingsland name with them.

Councillor Bhatia added: “It is appalling that if you lose an argument you resort to something like this.

“This is a terrible example to set to our children.”

A poll was carried out in the summer by Kingsland primary’s headteacher, Jacqueline Wilson, and found 33 of her 38 members of staff wanted a status quo while 216 of the 324 voting pupils also wished to keep the school’s name.

Peebles community councillor Lesley Ireland has also condemned the art attack. She blasted: “This is shocking. There is strong feeling in the town but this isn’t the way to get your message across.

“What kind of message does this send to the children?”

Irish firm Graham Construction is due to complete the 14-classroom buildings next December.

And community council chairman Ian Wilson hopes there will be no more attempts to sabotage the primary project. He said: “This is basic vandalism and I am afraid the whole situation could get out of hand.

“This is a passionate and divisive subject but this act cheapens any argument that people may have.

“I hope this is the last we will see of this type of behaviour.”

Architects erected the school signs, each costing in excess of £2,000, in the summer.

Police were called to the building site on Tuesday and they have confirmed they are tracking down the black paint bandit.

A spokesman for the Lothian and Borders force told us: “The incident occurred sometime over the weekend between Friday October 3 and Tuesday October 7. We are appealing for any witnesses to contact their local police station."

Local Inspector Stewart Sandilands said: "There have been a number of very strong opinions expressed regarding the site selected for the new school and the process of naming the new school but none of that excuses this wanton act of vandalism to the property.

"The money spent by Scottish Borders Council to repair the sign is money that could be better spent on the school itself and I would urge anyone with any information about this crime to contact the police."

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