Jo Swinson presses for continued public consultation on new schools project

12.01.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Aug 2005

Jo wants public consultation to remain high on the project agenda

Jo Swinson MP has praised the progress of East Dunbartonshire Council's new schools (PPP) project and has called for a redoubling of effort on public consultation.

In a meeting with the project chief, which was also attended by Cllr Eric Gotts, Jo aired her view that communication with the general public must continue if public support for the project is to remain high.

The £100 million PPP project, to build new schools in Milngavie, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch, is the largest single investment in education ever to take place in East Dunbartonshire.

The project began with a series of high-profile public consultations. More recently there has been a rise in hearsay and speculation over issues such as the sale of school lands to meet the cost of the scheme.

Jo said, "This project, to radically improve educational facilities across East Dunbartonshire, is highly ambitious. I commend East Dunbartonshire Council for meeting this challenge head-on, and praise the continuing hard work of the PPP project team."

"The public were consulted fully in the early stages of the project. Lately some constituents have contacted me to express concerns about aspects of the project, and I was pleased that the project team were willing to meet me to hear these views and take them on board. The project is entering a crucial phase and the team outlined the initiatives they will be taking to keep the public informed and consulted. This public involvement is key to ensuring the success of the project, and I encourage people to participate and have their say."