CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build a school at a beauty spot said they are in a "stand-off" with the council - on the day a public consultation is launched.

West Dunbartonshire Council want to build a £22.5million new school on the protected Posties Park, near Dumbarton town centre, which is bordered by the River Clyde and Leven.

But after a protest group fighting the controversial moves - backed by a 1000 signature petition - lobbied councillors they agreed to launch a public consultation which opens today.

A 17-page document detailing the controversial proposal is now available to view on the council website.

Rose Harvie, secretary of Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, and Save Posties Park campaign organiser, said: "We would encourage as many people as possible to make their views known by taking part in this consultation.

"It is a stand-off at the moment - a compromise, if you like. The council has listened to what we are saying.

"We now need people to read the document and submit their views."

The existing six-storey Our Lady and Partick's High School, off Hawthorn Hill Road, is said to have inadequate space for playing pitches prompting the council to look at moving the school as part of a wider project.

Posties Park was of those short listed by officials who then singled it out as an "idyllic location" for a new 1000-pupil school, also claiming it would also deliver an economic boost for the town centre.

But the plans would mean the construction of a £3m bridge over the River Leven to link the park with the town.

The site is currently zoned as open space within the Local Plan so the project would have to go before Scottish Government ministers before being given the green light.

Rose Harvie said: "Posties Park is a large open green space with nothing on it except grass, mature trees, fresh air and beautiful views - a haven of peace and tranquillity that is how we want it to stay."

She added that the development would also result in noise, traffic management problems and a, ­"seriously detrimental impact on the surrounding area and environment".

As part of the consultation the council has agreed to look at other sites including Historic Scotland and National Trust for Scotland controlled land at nearby Cunninghame Graham Memorial Park, thought to have connections to Robert the Bruce.

They say they will also speak to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board on the possible use of the Dumbarton Joint Hospital site.

Councillor Michelle Stewart, convener of educational services at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: "I would actively encourage residents to take part in the consultation and give us their feedback on the location of the school."

The 32-day consultation closes on November 13. A public meeting will be held at the school on Wednesday at 7pm.

linzi.watson@eveningtimes.co.uk