The Inverclyde Council

Wednesday 13 November 2002 at 4.00 pm

Present:  Provost Roach, Councillors Blair, Calvert, Campbell, Hill, Hunter, Jackson, McCabe, McCormick, McGhee, Mitchell, Morrison (D), Morrison (M), Nimmo, O'Rourke, Rebecchi, Robertson (A), Robertson (Y) and White.

Chair:  Provost Roach presided.

In attendance:  Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive, Director of Community & Protective Services, Director of Education Services, Director of Finance, Director of Legal & Support Services, Head of Personnel Services, Head of Property Services and Managing Solicitor (Committees/Contracts).

Apologies:  Councillor McGraw.

Prior to the commencement of business, the Provost moved that the meeting be adjourned from 4.00 pm to 4.15 pm to allow finalisation of the minutes under consideration and this was agreed unanimously.

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Minute of Meeting of Education & Lifelong Learning Committee - 13 November 2002

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Approval of the minute as a correct record was moved by Councillor Robertson (A) seconded by Councillor O'Rourke.  Councillor Robertson (A) seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved with reference to the paragraph entitled "Schools Public Private Partnership:  Revised Outline Business Case" that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.  As an amendment, Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Campbell moved that the revised Outline Business Case be rejected and Officials be asked to commence negotiations with the Scottish Executive regarding the possibility of £5.73m per annum being received by Inverclyde Council ringfenced for Education capital purposes.  On a vote, 8 Members voted for the amendment and 11 for the motion which was declared carried.

Councillor Robertson (A) seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved with reference to the paragraph entitled "Future Provision of Education in Inverclyde" that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.  As an amendment, Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Campbell moved that the Council not accept the contents of the report nor issuing the consultative documents and instead:-

(a)   the undernoted alternative proposals 1 to 11 (below) be issued for consultation subject to the proposals being developed to meet the statutory requirements and to provide the necessary statutory information;  and

(b)   the non-denominational primary school at Wemyss Bay remain in its present building (Ardgowan Road).

Alternative Proposals

1.    that Wellington Academy remain.

2.    that Slaemuir Primary move to Port Glasgow High with preservation of its identity.  Adaptation work would be required (eg separate entrance).

3.    that Boglestone, Clune Park and Highholm Schools be replaced by a new build school as soon as possible on the recommended site.

4.    that St Francis Primary move to St Stephen's High (as above in 2).

5.    that Holy Family Primary close and pupils move to either the new St Francis or St Michael's Primary Schools.

6.    that consultation take place with St Mungo's, St Lawrence's and St Kenneth's schools with the aim of closing one in the short term and that all be replaced by a new build school later on a site to be agreed.

7.    that Springfield Primary close and integrate with Larkfield Primary.

8.    that Holy Cross Primary move to St Columba's High (as above in 2).

9.    that St Joseph's Primary close and pupils move to either Sacred Heart Primary or the new Holy Cross Primary.

10.  that further consideration be given to siting a new denominational school in Wemyss Bay and Inverkip.

11.  that where appropriate Catchment Areas will be reviewed.

On a vote, 8 Members voted for the amendment and 11 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that the minute be approved.

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Minute of Meeting of Policy & Strategy Committee - 13 November 2002

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Approval of the minute as a correct record was moved by Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke.  Councillor Jackson seconded by Councillor O'Rourke moved that the decision of the Committee as minuted be approved.  As an amendment, Councillor Mitchell seconded by Councillor Blair moved that the report be rejected on the grounds that it is based on too many hypothetical presumptions.  On a vote, 8 Members voted for the amendment and 11 for the motion which was declared carried.

Decided:  that the minute be approved.