Proposed closure of Castlebrae and Lismore schools

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 Aug 2007, 20:06

I'm sure most of you are aware of this issue. The proposed closure of Castlebrae could impact on Portobello High School. Lismore faced the axe last year when Lawrence Marshall broke the whip to vote to keep it open. Which of our current local councillors will have the moral courage to follow his example?

From today's EN:

We'll back you.. until it's time to vote

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 27 Aug 2007, 20:10

From the EN Letters page;

Put schools back at heart of community

AS one of the three Labour councillors whose abstentions in 2004 allowed Lismore Primary School to remain open, I am naturally dismayed - though not surprised - at the current moves to close the school.

Indeed, it's a lot worse this time round as at least Labour proposed to enhance Bingham community centre if the school shut. Now, both are to go.

I still believe that, with a little imagination, a smaller school incorporating a community centre can be fashioned from the current site, thus retaining basic community facilities in Bingham at affordable cost.

As for the proposal to close Castlebrae High School and not proceed with the promised new secondary school to serve a revitalised Craigmillar, this is simply scandalous. A site for the new school has long been agreed, and the regeneration company Parc have been tasked to provide it. A new Craigmillar community deserves a new secondary school at its heart.

Folk are right to feel angry at the current school closure plans. But protest needs to be focused. Arguing, as James Noble (Your views, August 22) does, that tram monies from the Scottish Executive can be used instead for education is an irrelevant and self-defeating distraction.

The campaign to put the community at the heart of educational provision is of great importance. Don't weaken it by bringing in other quite separate issues.

Lawrence Marshall, King's Road, Portobello, Edinburgh

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 28 Aug 2007, 10:14

According to Cllr. Child's latest newsletter, start dates for the first local formal consultation are as follows:

24 September 2007 for Bingham Community Centre with a public meeting on 8 October.
For Lismore Primary School, the meeting is 22 October 2007 and for Castlebrae High School, the public meeting is scheduled for 18 February 2008.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 03 Sep 2007, 16:48

Schools saved from closure threat

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 03 Sep 2007, 18:55

'Lewis Hamilton couldn't do a quicker U-turn'