PHS plans brought forward
David O'Leary • Published 9 Sep 2011 09:30
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Peebles High's current leaky roofed games hall
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WORK on Peebles High School's much-needed sports facilities is to be brought forward by a year.
The long-awaited announcement, which is sure to be welcomed by parents, staff and pupils, was made at Monday's Scottish Borders Council Executive meeting.
Plans have been in place for a state-of-the art games hall, full-sized all-weather pitch, sprint track, long jump pit and fitness suite since 2009.
However, the start date was pushed back following a squeeze in local government spending.
Peebles High is currently the only secondary school in the Borders that can't offer Higher PE courses and the school roll is predicted to rise from its current level of 1200 to between 1300 and 1400 by 2016.
The present games hall has been out of action since last September due to problems with a leaking roof.
And pupils have been forced travel to the Gytes for PE lessons - an arrangement slammed by HMIe inspectors during their most recent recent visit.
At Monday's meeting councillors unanimously agreed to allocate money from the 2013/14 budget to carry out the work.
Local councillor Neil Calvert said: "I am pleased that my proposal to get work underway, a year ahead of schedule, has been supported.
"Peebles High School, as the biggest high school in the region, deserves better facilities than what it has and should be a top priority."
His view was echoed by his fellow local councillors Catriona Bhatia and Graham Garvie.
Councillor Bhatia added: "The wider community will also benefit from this not just Peebles High students, the artificial pitch is extremely important."
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 09 Sep 11
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