Click here to download a copy of Jamie Hepburn's Survey on the proposed closure of St Francis of Assisi Primary School

Hepburn Asks Local Community to Share Views on St Francis of Assisi Primary Closure Plans

Jamie Hepburn, MSP for Central Scotland, has written to residents across Westfield and Blackwood to ask for their opinions, following reports that North Lanarkshire Council is proposing the closure of St Francis of Assisi Primary School.

Reports suggest the Council will launch a formal consultation on the proposals next week.  The Council is already consulting on plans to close Cedar Road Nursery School and replace the service with a nursery class at Abronhill Primary.

Commenting on the reports, Jamie Hepburn MSP said:

“Like many people in Westfield and beyond, I’m very concerned about North Lanarkshire Council’s plans to close St Francis of Assisi Primary School.

“I’m undertaking a survey of  local residents to inform my own response to the Council’s consultation on the future of St Francis of Assisi Primary  Households across Westfield and Blackwood will receive a copy, but anyone else who would like to respond can download a copy from my website at www.jamiehepburn.org or by calling my office on 0131 348 6573.”

“It seems to me that there is a strong feeling in the area that St Francis of Assisi is a popular and important community asset and there is no obvious justification for closing the school.  The consultation I undertake will demonstrate what local feeling is on this matter."

“The opposition group in the Council has made clear its opposition to any plans that will increase class sizes and damage local communities, and I will be working with them to ensure the Council does not ignore local opinion about the future of our primary schools.~