PARENTS will today find out if their battle to stop school catchment changes has taken a step forward.

 

Campaigners opposing changes in Glasgow's South Side successfully fought to have a council committee decision called in.

And it will be debated at the a Glasgow City Council scrutiny committee meeting.

Louise Hutchinson, a mum-of-two who lives in Kintore, said: "Around 20 families in our area have been getting together to do all we can to try to persuade Stephen Curran and Education Services to help us and our children.

"We have suggested an alternative plan that we feel would be fair for all. Education Services have told us that our plan could work, numbers-wise.

"We just hope that the councillors go into the scrutiny committee with our children, and not their own political interests, in their hearts."

Last month the Evening Times told how education bosses had voted to change the catchment area for Merrylee, Croftfoot, Battlefield, Mount Florida Primary Schools and King's Park, Hillpark Secondary Schools and Shawlands Academy.

Kintore Road, which is currently part of the shared Merrylee and Battlefield catchment, was originally proposed to become only Merrylee.

Now it is proposed to become part of the Battlefield catchment instead, affecting hundreds of homes.

Five local councillors, including councillor David Meikle, have backed the parents to support a call in.

Mr Meikle said: "I have signed this call-in to review the decision regarding the catchment area for Merrylee Primary because I back local parents and the community who have been campaigning on this.

"I thought it was important there was cross party support for their cause and that their voices were heard especially after what seems to have been a flawed process and poor consultation.

"I hope the committee listens, accepts the call-in and refers the matter for further consideration."

Dad Stephen Colburn added: "We are cautiously optimistic about the meeting and hope for the chance to put our alternatives plans in front of the council to see if some kind of compromise can be reached.

"We have consulted lawyers about the current proposals and are told we have a strong case so we'll keep pushing for these catchment changes to be halted, no matter the outcome."