Pupils attending new Ayr school could suffer 'safety' risks, claims MSP candidate

An election candidate insists Ayr's newest primary school could pose a safety risk to pupils.

Chic Brodie says the new Grammar school suffers from a lack of proper fencing at the nearby river and shortage of parking spaces.

Mr Brodie argues that the school, which served as the former Ayr Academy, will change with a much younger intake of pupils.

And he claims the anticipated spike in traffic near the school and river area is a problem that needs addressed.

He said: “I do not wish to be alarmist and, in fact, am not.

Chic overlooks the nearby River Ayr (Ayrshire Post)

"But I feel it important to ask questions and seek answers regarding the safety of the schoolchildren on two fronts.

"And I do so as the father of three lively children who went to school in Ayr.

"The first concern is the proximity of the river and I am concerned that some of the older and more inquisitive if not rumbustious children may seek to have access to the river’s edge."

Mr Brodie, who is standing for election in Ayr this May, said fencing along various points of the river was not "insurmountable".

He added: "It is very important that the council clarify what action has been taken and what information has been provided to parents and will be to pupils regarding safety."

Mr Brodie said he was also seeking to highlight the potential for parking problems, with Fort Street already a busy area.

The Holyrood hopeful believes more parents of primary school children are likely to drop off their kids than those attending the old Ayr Academy.

Chic claims fencing is not adequate enough at the river (Ayrshire Post)

He added: "As I say, this is not alarmist, rather it is seeking a clear and wide public message on both these issues.

"It is very important."

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: "The safety of school children is always a priority.

"The new Ayr Grammar building is fully enclosed and children will stay within the premises throughout the school day, unless they are under supervision.

"Outside school hours, parents / carers have the responsibility to ensure their children can travel to and from school safely.

"There are no plans at present to introduce railings at the harbour."