Dumfries and Galloway Council needs to "be creative" over Loreburn primary school upgrade

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A teachers’ spokeswoman has called on Dumfries and Galloway Council to “be creative” in finding a new site for rundown Loreburn Primary School.The plea came after a planned relocation to the Dumfries Academy site was shelved due to a lack of Scottish Government funding.Julie Irving, pictured, who sits on the education committee as a representative of primary teachers in the region, spoke up at Thursday’s meeting and insisted that Loreburn Primary is no longer fit for purpose.Mrs Irving also told councillors that while there are ongoing repairs, there has been an issue with rodents and action needs to be taken to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff pupils.Mrs Irving said: “They’ve had a four-year wait and were optimistic that now was going to be their time.“They are a part of the schools that we should be looking at refurbishing, relocating, or whatever it takes.“We know the building isn’t fit for purpose.

I believe there’s been a recurring rodent issue. I think it’s been dealt with but it was recurring.“There’s constant repairs and my understanding is that this is coming out of the school budget – so that impacts on the budget that’s available for learning and teaching in the school.“The school isn’t fit for purpose.

How can we ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and pupils?“I understand the funding stream isn’t there, but is there another site that could be used in Dumfries?

Is there another way we can look at this and be creative?”Larann Foss, the council’s schools estate manager, confirmed that Loreburn Primary was classed as a building in poor condition and there should be a replacement or relocation of staff and pupils.He said: “That’s why Loreburn Primary School has always been included in the Dumfries