Parents lock-in at school protest

Published on Friday 3 April 2009 21:31

ANGRY parents yesterday barricaded themselves inside two primary schools in protest over closure plans.

They gained entry to Wyndford Primary and St Gregory's Primary shortly after the school closed for the Easter holidays by pretending to be part of a balloon launch, which was part of peaceful efforts. They were protesting against the council's proposed plans to close both schools in Maryhill, Glasgow.

They then barricaded themselves inside two assembly halls in both buildings where they plan to protest over Easter school holidays.

The parents managed to gain entry to the school just after 2.30pm yesterday. Police were soon on the scene, joined by members of Glasgow City Council's education directorate.

Anne Muir, chairwoman of St Gregory's parents' council said: "If the school's close it will degenerate the area and the parents will have nowhere to find that emotional support they need."

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said last night: "The police were soon on the premises but we are hopeful this will be a peaceful demonstration. A member of the education directorate has gone to speak to the protestors."

Councillors agreed in principle in January to improve primary and nursery school buildings in the Glasgow area.

The move was aimed to reduce the number of children being taught in crumbling buildings by merging a number of primary schools and nurseries.