MSP Jamie Hepburn has been campaigning with parents, pupils and other members of the Cumbernauld community against North Lanarkshire Council's proposal to close Abronhill High next June and transfer pupils to Cumbernauld High.

A key concern raised by the campaigners has been the routes pupils from Abronhill would have to walk to get to Cumbernauld High.

Mr Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, raised his concerns about the routes at the Scottish Parliament's Education and Lifelong Learning Questions session.

He asked Dr Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, what guidance the Government provides to councils to deliver safe routes to schools.

Mr Hepburn pointed out: "Some routes (to Cumbernauld High) are considered to be very unsafe –they are very remote, go through wooded areas and are very poor underfoot."

Dr Allan said: "I hope North Lanarkshire Council will consider very seriously any concerns put to it by parents. It is obviously important for pupils and their parents that they are able to get to and from schools safely.

"My understanding is the council plans to take a final decision in the new year."

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk