High school plan proceeds
The plan for a new Anderson High School on the western slopes of the Staney Hill has cleared another hurdle by being rubber-stamped by the Full Council.
There was no attempt at Wednesday’s meeting to overturn the decision of two weeks ago and fight for the Knab site where building work had been due to start in June before a successful last-ditch revolt led by councillor Jonathan Wills and local residents.
Convener Sandy Cluness, a long-time proponent of the Knab site, conceded that a large majority of members wanted the other site following the summer review of the project. However, councillor Bill Manson questioned the wisdom of pursuing a school which had only an “arbitrary” budget.
Dr Wills said there were project figures from the cost consultants hired by the council to look at the two sites and he did not see why the school should cost more than £42 million if the project was carefully managed.
Frank Robertson called for close monitoring. “We want to be informed absolutely at all stages how this project is moving.”
Work will now have to start on revised designs for the school before detailed plans can be agreed and submitted for planning approval. The issue of buying the required land will also have to be concluded.
