School plans take year-long run and jump

David O'Leary • Published 21 Jan 2011 09:30 0 Comments

PEEBLES High School's long- awaited sports hall project has been sent out on another lap by council bosses.

Plans for the £4 million sports complex were given the go-ahead last year and work was expected to commence as part of the council's capital spending programme for 2012.

But the development has now been pushed back a year due to budget constraints.

Facilities at the school which is the largest in the Borders haven't been upgraded for 40 years - and it is the only secondary in the region that can't offer Higher PE courses for pupils.

Work on the state-of-the art games hall, full-sized all-weather pitch, sprint track, long jump pit and fitness suite was due to start next year.

Local councillor Graham Garvie said: "It's disappointing for the school and the pupils that the project has been pushed back a year but it is still included in the capital programme for the year after."

Explaining the decision depute leader and Executive Member for Finance Neil Calvert said: "The council's capital programme has had to be reviewed and a number of projects will now have to be rephased.This review is still ongoing and we will know nearer the budget in April which projects will be affected."

Another bitter blow for Peebles education also came to light this week - with an expected decision to close the town's longest running playgroup.

A meeting of Rosetta Playgroup's management committee is due to be held today (Friday) regarding the future of the popular service which caters for over 20 children.

The group, which first began in 1970 and employs four staff, was due to move to brand new premises attached to the new Halyrude School in the old Kingsland buildings at Rosetta Road this year, from the scout hall at Dean Park.

But following meetings earlier this week with council officials it is feared these plans have been scrapped leading to the group's closure.

Nobody from the Playgroup's committee was available for comment as we went to press.

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 21 Jan 11

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