More cost-effective option for schools' programme

Apr 24 2008

I was interested in last week’s article regarding the cost of hiring coaches to decant schoolchildren.

Over the years this has cost a considerable amount of taxpayers’ money.

I know of at least three occasions when the former St John’s Grammar School has been used for decant purposes.

At present this consists of many coachloads of children plus helpers and the employment of four traffic wardens to ensure their safe crossing to and from school. This large red sandstone building has lain dormant for many years but seems fit to be used for decant purposes.

Instead of the large amount of money that has been spent over the years, would it not have been more economical to modernise and upgrade this solid building (which lies in a central position in the town) rather than build another new school outwith the area?

Hamilton taxpayer, name and address supplied.