Abronhill High campaign hits the streets

Pupils and parents from Abronhill High School armed with banners participated in the march to Cumbernauld High School to protest against council plans to merge the two schools into a single new building, which the council proposes to build at the present Cumbernauld High site. The SNP is also fighting the proposals and Jamie Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, participated in the march along with Councillor Liz Irvine.

The march was along the same footpaths that hundreds of Abronhill schoolchildren will be expected to walk every day, and many walkers said they felt the paths were simply unsuitable for a daily commute.

One of the march organisers, Lynn Hutcheson, (44), said: “The march went well, it was a bit of fun and gave people the chance to come out and bang their drums. But it also gave a lot of people the chance to see the walking route and I think that strengthened opposition against the closure. We’ll also be taking part in the big march in Glasgow on Saturday, and all are welcome to join our group, We will be meeting at Glasgow Queen Street at 10.30am and going down to George Square after that.”

Red ribbons, tied around lampposts to mark the walking route between Abronhill and Cumbernauld High Schools, have also proven popular with locals.

Susan Hamilton (43), a former teacher at Abronhill High, is also active in the campaign. She said: “I have worked in over a dozen schools and I have to say that Abronhill is an excellent facility. There is a very strong school ethos and it teaches its pupils very well, with a positive atmosphere and good exam results - it is consistently among the top five schools in North Lanarkshire.”

As part of the ongoing consultation process, North Lanarkshire Council has organised two public meetings. The first will be at Abronhill High School on Wednesday, October 24, followed by a meeting at Cumbernauld High School on Thursday, October 25.

The consultation will run until November 20. Written responses to: Abronhill High School and Cumbernauld High School Rationalisation, Learning and Leisure Services, Municipal Buildings, Kildonan Street, Coatbridge or email [email protected]