A new property survey carried out on behalf of Midlothian Council confirms parents' views that the fabric of threatened schools is sound. Five local schools are threatened with the axe if controversial proposals get the go-ahead. However there has been widespread criticism that the report that recommends closure is based on out of date information.

Fiona Hill, a Cranston parent says:

We knew that our school was in a good state of repair. You only need to look at it. But all buildings whether they be homes, offices or schools need to be maintained and what this new report shows is that some fairly minor remedial work will give us a school building that will be fit for years to come.

There has been condemnation from parents and politicians alike that the Council's proposals centre on the fabric of the school buildings themselves rather than any educational benefits that might result from the forced closures and relocation of pupils. Of particular concern has been the proposal to close Cranston Primary School and to house pupils in temporary portakabin accommodation at the already overcrowded Pathhead Primary School site.

Jim Murray, Chairman of the Cranston School Board says:

We've been saying all along that there must be a better and a cheaper way. And we're willing to work with the Council to achieve the best learning environment for our children. They've admitted that housing the pupils in temporary accommodation is going to cost the best part of £300,000 of council taxpayers' money. We said that we could create a better environment if we were allowed to stay where we are for half that. And this new report actually says that it will take one third of what the council is planning to spend on a temporary quick fix to fully refurbish our school premises.

The public consultation on the Council's proposals is due to end at the end of this month, with a vote by cabinet members expected to take place in early May.

Martin Walker, of the Cranston Parents Action Group says:

Let's hope that common sense will prevail. What we should be concentrating on is the educational welfare of our children. And also the impact that these closures would have on the rural communities. We think the educational needs of our children are best served within their current environment, where they have the benefit of being in a close-knit community with a dedicated teaching staff who respond to all their needs. Once again, the proposals have been proved to be flawed. Some work does need to be carried out on our school building. Some of it is essential. Some of it is desirable. Some of it is purely cosmetic. But even if the council did all of it, the cost would be a little over £100,000. That's a huge cost saving compared to the route that they're preparing to take. And it will bring a school building that has stood the test of time fully up to date. Think what they could buy with the change !

Note to editors: Further information, including a list of contacts, is available on the Midlothian Rural Schools Action Group website, www mrsag.org.uk