Bressay closure talks
THE PUBLIC consultation into the closure of Bressay primary school and nursery has begun and will continue until 26 November.
The council has proposed closing the school after it became clear that 12 out of the 15 primary school age children on the island were being educated in Lerwick.
Last month councillors voiced concerns about depopulation on the island, with local councillor Allan Wishart suggesting that ferry fares be dropped altogether.
Legal advice suggest the school should not be mothballed, but the council is seriously considering keeping its hands on the building in the hope that it can be re-opened in the future.
The council will save £75,000 by closing the school, which will take some pressure off the education budget, where savings of £3.2 million are being sought.
Public meetings will be held at Bressay public hall on 30 October at 7pm, and at Bell’s Brae primary school in Lerwick on 31 October at 7pm. There will also be meetings with pupils and staff.
Education and families committee chairwoman Vaila Wishart said: “We’re keen that anyone interested in the future of Bressay primary school will take the opportunity to attend one of the public meetings, and submit their response to the proposal.”
An executive summary of the closure proposal can be found here. The full proposal can be found here.
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