Plans to close kitchens in schools may be shelved

Published on 22/05/2008 22:11

PLANS to close school kitchens in Edinburgh may be reversed in a U-turn by the city council.

The SNP/Lib Dem-run authority planned to shut 14 kitchens, affecting 18 nurseries and six primaries.

However, the measure is now being described as temporary, after it emerged uptake of meals had risen.

Marilyne MacLaren, the education convener, said: "In light of this information, I have instructed officers within the council's catering services to reconsider the management action taken to 'mothball' school kitchens."

However, she said nursery facilities still faced the axe, as few pre-school children chose hot meals.

The move was the latest in a raft of cuts which saw each city primary facing losing 10,000 and the cost of school meals rising by 10p.

The Lothians Labour MSP George Foulkes blamed the move on the council tax freeze enforced by the Scottish Government.

Meanwhile, Lord Foulkes has volunteered to act as a mediator between the local MSP, Kenny MacAskill, and Mrs MacLaren.

Mr McAskill demanded Mrs MacLaren resign if she cannot deliver new schools.