THE SNP has vowed to build a primary school in Maryhill should they take over the council next year.

The pledge follows on from the Labour administration's promise to carry out a consultation on the education provision in the area.

Official figures have shown that around 800 more children are expected to live in the area over the next four years, prompting education bosses to take action.

Although the local authority has not agreed to build a new school, they have agreed there needs to be extra provision in the area.

A large section of central Maryhill is lacking a primary school following the closure of a number of schools in 2009.

Seven years ago, parents of kids at Wyndford Primary and St Gregory's Primary held a sit-in protest for two weeks in a failed attempt to keep their schools open.

Nearby Our Lady of the Assumption Primary was also closed.

Glasgow SNP Group leader Susan Aitken has now pledged to build a new primary school in Maryhill should her party take over control of the council following next year's local elections.

She also welcomed the consultation agreed by the council's education convener Liz Cameron.

Ms Aitken said: "This is a tremendous development in the long-running campaign to bring local primary education back to Maryhill.

“With confirmation that the population is increasing and justifies a school, and with plans in place to consult later this year, I can confirm that an SNP administration in Glasgow will build a primary school in Maryhill.

"We consistently opposed the closures in 2009 and my colleagues Councillor John Letford and Councillor Franny Scally have been vocal in attempts to work with the community to restore provision to the area.

“We will listen to the needs and aspirations of Glaswegians: where we can, we will act to improve the life chances of all who live and work in the city."

The council's education spokeswoman Liz Cameron previously said the discussions on Maryhill school provision were "at an early stage" and added: "It’s wonderful to be witnessing the resurgence and regeneration of Maryhill and as a result the need for additional primary school places.

"These discussions are at a very early stage – no site has been earmarked and we are engaging with local members and the community to shape the future proposals.

"Officers are presently undertaking a demographic study with a view of a report to the area partnership after the summer holidays.

"It’s crucial that we engage with everyone in the area so that we can plan for our children’s future education needs."