Katy Gordon

Parents, pupils and local politicians released balloons over the Wyndford estate today to protest at the threat of closure hanging over their 2 primary schools.

Over 250 balloons (one for each pupil in Wyndford & St Gregory’s Primaries) were scattered to the four corners of Glasgow. Parents were hoping councillors, who will decide the fate of their schools later this month, would see the balloons and think twice about scattering local children across Glasgow.

Anne Muir, Chair of St Gregory’s Parents Council said:

“The last few weeks have been a real struggle for parents of St Gregory’s and Wyndford Primary. Releasing the balloons is a symbol of hope over the Easter holidays that our schools can still be saved and that councillors don’t rip the heart out of our community.”

Earlier in the day, both schools held end of term Easter services, where pupils prayed for the future of their schools. After the balloon release, some parents followed their children’s example by camping out in the 2 schools, to hold their own prayers at candlelit vigils.

Katy Gordon, Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson for Glasgow North commented:

“The parents have fought a long, hard campaign and we’ve been supporting them throughout. The Labour council needs to listen to the huge voice of protest from the community and remove the threat of closure from Wyndford & St Gregory’s. At this time of year, they should recognise the folly of these proposals and resurrect the future of the Wyndford, rather than dealing a body blow to the community. “

Robert Brown, Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow, who was also present, added:

“It is time for the Council to bow to the justified public case on this matter and provide an ongoing community school presence in Wyndford. Any other course of action would simply be flying in the face of public opinion and obvious need.”