Parents shut themselves in school in bid to keep it open

DEVOTED parents have barricaded themselves inside a school for the last two weeks in a desperate bid to stop it from closing.

The group of 13 have been occupying Gartsherrie Primary School in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, in an attempt to reverse a closure decision.

The local authority made the decision in March to shut the school at the end of this current term, sparking angry opposition from concerned parents.

Fiona Dingwall, of Coatbridge, who has been inside the school since 2 June, said:

"It's like Big Brother in here a little bit but everyone's spirits are still high and we are determined to see it through. Our main aim is not to keep the school open permanently. We just want it to be postponed long enough that the children won't be pushed from one place to another."

Another parent added:

"There is a piano in the classroom and we have been singing along to our favourite tunes. We shall not be moved is certainly one of them."

Jim Logue, convener of Learning and Leisure Services for North Lanarkshire Council, said:

"Delaying the decision on the proposed closure till late 2011 would not be in the best interests of the school and would merely extend the disruption and stress."