Primary closure talks to begin

Consultation over the threatened closure of North Roe and Urafirth primary schools will begin next week.

Under the proposals pre-school education at Urafirth would also be brought to a halt.

The consultation process will start on Wednesday and run on until Friday 30th May.

Affected pupils would move to Ollaberry Primary School from 19th August next year.

Three public meetings will be held – the first on Monday 5th May at North Roe and Lochend Hall. A second meeting planned for Wednesday 7th May at Hillswick Public Hall has yet to be confirmed, however a third public meeting on Thursday 8th May at St Olaf Community Club (Ollaberry Hall) will take place.

All meetings are scheduled to run for two hours from 7pm.

The council says further information will also be sent to the relevant consultees to allow them to respond.

The full proposal paper will be available online and printed copies will be available from Hayfield House, Shetland Library, and the affected schools from Wednesday.

Chairwoman of education and families, Vaila Wishart said: “We would encourage everyone, particularly those most affected by the proposal, to participate in the Statutory Consultation process. This is the opportunity to record your views and let us know what you think.”