Bad education

Any council closing down schools is going to be a highly emptiove and controversial issue. But with regard to Edinburgh council's decision to close 22 nurseries, schools and community centres, it seems like a fairly easy call.

A few things fall out of the kefuffle:

(1) There are less people going to these schools now, down a fifth in most areas, and consequently the schools are now financially unsustainable. The argument that the closures should be phased out so it is easier for the families to adjust to the situation doesn't hold for me. Once the decision is made, you move on and get on with it.

(2) There were many people suggesting that the parents of the pupils going to these schools and using the community centres should have had a say in the debate. They were denied this opportunity. Again I say quite rightly. What could have been added to the debate that would have been constructive and influential on the councillors involved? The councillors were voted into their positions democratically, let them get on with making decisions without clouding the issue.

(3) There is a clear gap in the finances of Edinburgh Council, a gap which will be exacerbated by the funding of the Edinburgh trams which will fall at the council's door before too long. It would be remiss of the council not to take action now and it seems fair that a "flabby" schooling system in Edinburgh is among the first of the cuts.

(4) Strikes have now taken place. The main arguments against the closures seems to be nostalgia and the speed of the decision which, I'm sorry, doesn't cut any mustard with myself. Demographics change and our schooling system needs to evolve and change alongside the movement of people. With regard the speed of the decision, surely it is refreshing for a council to take swift, decisive action, saving money this way rather than wasting it?


The Labour ranks need to be very careful and really think about why they are supporting the Save the Cuts campaign.

The financial mess of the council was partly their doing in the first place and I am sure they will be amongst the first to stick the boot into John Swinney when he announces spending plans that will no doubt, allegedly, "not add up".

You can't oppose cuts on the one hand and then blame the SNP for overspending on the other, all the while forcing needless trams onto a financially overburdened council/Executive. And let's reiterate this is on the back of a financial mess caused by Labour in the first place!