THE chair of Haysholm School’s Parent Council has voiced her delight after plans for a £25million Additional Support Needs school were approved.

Christina Larsen was thrilled that councillors unanimously backed plans to merge Haysholm, Stanecastle, James McFarlane and James Reid schools to form a state of the art ‘super school’ in Stevenston.

North Ayrshire Council’s special meeting last week passed a motion to approve the new school meaning Haysholm and Stanecastle could be shut by 2020.

A purpose-built early years centre, currently based at Stanecastle, will also be housed at Annick Primary School.

Christina gave a passionate speech supporting the move at last week’s meeting which was applauded by councillors.

And she says the new school will provide excellent facilities for generations to come.

Speaking after the meeting, she said: “They (the council) have made it a priority to engage with us and it has been dealt with completely differently.

“I have not had any concerns from parents at the moment, speaking to chairs of other schools and they’ve not received any concerns from parents either.

“We’re sending out the same information and we’ve not received any kind of negative response.

“The only concerns at the moment are surrounding transport so that pupils aren’t having to travel too long a distance.

“But the council and the bus company are working together to resolve that.”

Christina added: “It’s going to be a massive difference for the pupils.

“The schools were built 40 years ago, they’re no longer fit for purpose and the new facility is going to make a huge, huge difference.

“It’s going to be state of the art and up to date with technology. 

“A hydro therapy pool and sensory rooms are being built, it’s going to be fantastic.

“My son won’t see the benefit but for the generations to come the the benefit is going to be massive.”

The consultation period gets underway on Monday, September 12 and runs until Friday, November 4.

Meetings will take place at Annick Primary School on September 22 (7pm) and at Stanecastle and Haysholm on September 29 at 2pm and 7pm respectively.

Christina added: “The consultations are really important that parents and members of the public can come along and be part of the process.  It’s only then that they can allay any worries by asking the important questions.”