A pair of councillors have raised concerns over the impact of the school capacity saga at Dargavel Village on plans for a new school in Johnstone.

Gillian Graham and Chris Gilmour believe the construction of a new Thorn Primary is "long overdue" but is now at risk of being delayed.

We previously reported how botched roll calculations for Dargavel Primary left a bill of £45 million on the table for a second primary school, with £30m needed for an extension at Park Mains.

Councillor Gillian Graham, of Labour, told The Gazette: "Many people feel a new Thorn Primary is long overdue. We were due to see a new school built in the next four years.

The Gazette:

"However, I have concerns about whether the council will be able to deliver this. Due to the council's mishandling of education provision for Dargavel, the council will have to resort to prudential borrowing at a cost of up to £160million over the next 40 years.

"It would add to the scandal if this was to delay a new Thorn Primary for Johnstone. 

"Indeed, looking at the wider school estate this sorry mess could have a negative impact upon the council's ability to invest in other schools reaching the end of their working life including Johnstone High School."

Councillor Graham, who represents Johnstone North, said Renfrewshire Council urgently needed to identify how it would secure long-term investment in the school estate.

She added: "I'm aware council officers are reviewing the school estate. However, parents, pupils and teachers need to hear commitment now. 

"The council must publicly guarantee that a new Thorn Primary will be built and delivered on time and won't be delayed."

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Councillor Chris Gilmour, who also represents Johnstone North, said he shared the concerns of his Labour colleague.

He added: "The present administration made an electoral promise to provide a new Thorn Primary School. 

"The time has come to make good on that promise, I call on Renfrewshire council to publish its plans for a new Thorn Primary, these plans must clearly state the timeline for the school build, the school capacity and the facilities within the school.

"The teachers, parents and pupils of Thorn Primary need a new school."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "We remain committed to delivering a new Thorn Primary School and our capital investment plan includes £10million towards a match-funded bid to the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, which we are awaiting the outcome of.

"We continue to invest in school and nursery improvements and are also undertaking a strategic review of our school estate to consider investment, bringing the details of this to the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board in due course."