Go-ahead likely for upgrades in disabled access at schools
Balmedie and Peterhead primaries in line for work
Published:
COUNCILLORS are expected to approve the first phase of a £1.5million project to improve access to schools for disabled pupils.
In a study of Aberdeenshire’s 152 primary schools, only 10 achieved the highest rating of “very accessible” in a report before the council in March, 2007.
It identified 23 primary and secondary schools for improvements over five years.
The first phase of work, estimated to cost nearly £800,000, was approved by Aberdeenshire Council last year.
But funding was not available at that time and was only found in April 2008, with an additional £700,000 already budgeted for the second year of work.
Kincardine and Mearns area committee is due to approve plans for Laurencekirk Primary to become the first to benefit from the plans when it meets on Tuesday.
Nearly £80,000 will be spent to demolish the steps at the entrance and replace them with a ramp.
The money will also go towards widening access doors and upgrading toilet facilities.
KW Contractors in Aberdeen submitted the lowest tender and is expected to carry out the work.
The improvements will bring Aberdeenshire Council into line with their statutory duties to provide access for disabled pupils.
Other schools due to be upgraded this year include Balmedie and Dales Park Primary, Peterhead, and Kemnay and Mackie secondaries.
Mearns councillor George Carr is supporting the proposals.
“Laurencekirk Primary is a relatively new school and it is important to make sure our buildings are fit for purpose,” he said.
“Accessibility is a very important issue. Particularly when we are moving towards our schools being used more and more by the community.”
