Peterhead Councillor Backs Meethill School

SNP councillor for Peterhead South and Cruden Stephen Smith has backed retention of Meethill School on its existing site against a merger with Dales Park School as part of the new Peterhead Community Campus.

The issue was discussed at today’s meeting of the Buchan Area Committee where councillors were asked to comment on recommendations from education officials that the merger go ahead, despite being opposed by 82 per cent of Meethill School parents and carers who took part in a consultation.

At the meeting, Cllr Smith spoke strongly in favour of retaining Meethill School in its present location.

Commenting afterwards, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“Meethill School is at the heart of its community and the overwhelming support of parents and carers who took part in the consultation process demonstrates that quite clearly.

“I think it is a testament to the high regard there is for the school locally and a reflection on the school’s leadership that it enjoys such strong support.

“Having gone through the statutory process and gathered public opinion I for one am not going to ignore the clearly-stated view that Meethill School should remain where it is and not be merged and moved. To do so would be to ride-roughshod over the strength of opinion locally and be disrespectful to the views of parents and carers.”

The matter will now be discussed by the Education and Childrens’ Services Committee after the summer recess.