SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) is conducting a public consultation on plans to remove autism classes from St Ronan’s Primary School in Innerleithen.

The meetings will also discuss plans for the new specialist school in Earlston, which is set to take on ‘spectrum’ classes from across the Borders.

The project dates back to March 2013, and the council says building work is “well under way” and.

It should be completed by the end of October or early November.
As well as St Ronan’s, Wilton Primary, in Hawick, will also be affected as its spectrum class moves to the new specialist school.

Tweeddale West councillor Willie Archibald told the Peeblesshire News: “Autism is a condition that affects a lot of people in the Borders.

“But to have a special centre will be great for the Borders. It has taken a while, but it will be great.

“There may be difficulties for people getting to Earlston, but we live in a huge area and we have to recognise that sometimes we have to make compromises for a better quality of life.”

He added: “And the transport links in the region are so much better now,” he added.

“If there was a dedicated specialist bus service it would require specialist staff with specialist talents, but cost could be a problem.

“Unfortunately there is no simple solution to anything.”

The consultation period will run until Monday, October 10, and public meetings will be held to help people find out more.

The consultation at St Ronan’s will take place on Thursday, September 15, from 7pm until 9pm.

Meetings will also take place at Wilton Primary School in Hawick and Earlston Primary School for discussions about the new provision in Earlston.

Cllr Sandy Aitchison, SBC’s executive member for education, said: “I would encourage anyone with an interest in the new additional needs provision in Earlston to take part in this consultation once it goes live on August 26, giving us their views on the proposal paper and, of course, their suggestions for what they would like the new school to be called.”

During this period, paper copies of the documents will be available to read at St Ronan’s Primary School, Wilton Primary School, Earlston Primary School, Earlston High School, Innerleithen Library, Hawick Library and Earlston Library.

A questionnaire is available at scotborders.gov.uk/asnschool.

You can also contact the Children and Young People’s Services on 01835 825080, or by email at schoolestates@scotborders.gov.uk.

What do you think?

Send us your views, including your name and address, to editorial@peeblesshirenews.com.

The Peeblesshire News asked Scottish Borders Council for a comment but none was forthcoming at the time of going to press.