Community Calls to End Shared Campus Proposal
Parents groups and community leaders have addressed all councillors in the Borders, urging them to permanently abandon plans to relocate Eyemouth Primary School onto the secondary school campus.
The proposal for a shared campus was halted by education authorities last December after significant community opposition.
During consultation events held earlier this year, there was a growing demand for a new build replacement primary school instead.
Despite this, a local authority meeting scheduled for Thursday is set to consider advancing both options: the new build and the shared campus model.
Background and Proposal Details
Plans for a new primary school in the Berwickshire coastal town have been under discussion for several years, primarily due to the deteriorating condition of the existing building.
This situation led to proposals for a £15 million relocation project that would involve reconfiguring and extending the high school to incorporate the new primary facility.
Under this plan, the old primary school would be demolished and replaced with a new early learning centre on the same site.
Consultation on these proposals generated hundreds of responses, with the "overwhelming majority" opposing the shared campus plan.
This strong community feedback prompted the council to "take time to reconsider its approach and intentions" regarding the project.
Current Council Recommendations and Financial Considerations
A new report to be presented to councillors recommends pursuing both options but notes that the costs for either would now exceed the existing budget allocation.
The report states that a new build could be completed more quickly, "but at materially higher cost."
Conversely, the shared campus option would be less expensive but would require a longer delivery time and involve greater "programme, operational and engagement complexity."
Due to these factors, the council is advised to keep both options open before making a final commitment.
Parental Concerns and Council Response
Parents have written to all council members, urging them to reject the shared campus option.
Their letter highlights the "negative outcomes" of adapting a school originally designed for secondary pupils to accommodate younger children.
They cite concerns including accessibility, curricular needs, and "wellbeing and social pressures."
The letter urges the council to consider these issues carefully and not focus solely on "building and budget constraints."
The local authority has expressed a commitment to providing the "best possible facility" for children in Eyemouth.
A further report on the situation is expected to be presented in the autumn.
