John Mason, the Scottish National Party MP for Glasgow East, has expressed concern over the City Council’s plans to close 25 schools across the city.

Glasgow’s Labour-controlled council is to consult on proposals to close or merge a number of primary schools and nurseries. While none of the schools set for the axe are in the East End, Mr Mason is concerned that the entire budget for repair and refurbishment will now be taken up by work on ‘merged campus’ buildings in other parts of the city.

John Mason, SNP MP for Glasgow East, said:

“The City Council’s latest plan to close or merge a variety of primary schools appears to have left Glasgow East largely unaffected. This is welcome, as closing schools can have a negative impact on children’s education. In addition, the vast majority of schools in the East End are right at the heart of the communities they serve, and as such any closures or mergers would have an impact on a far wider group than pupils and their families.

“Crumbling school buildings have been a feature of the educational life of children across the city for quite some time. This problem has got worse and worse during the decades of Labour control at the City Chambers.

“I await the results of the latest public consultation on the future of our schools with interest. I am keen for refurbishment to benefit other schools as well as those facing mergers; otherwise there would be no expenditure on the school estate within the East End.”