Portobello Fight on for a New High School
The parents, staff and pupils are being forced to fight on for a new school, and in recent months it has become more and more evident that two sides have formed. On one hand there’s a community united in supporting a new school, and on the other, the authorities, who have yet to submit a business plan, and for which no progress has been made.
What is striking is the fact that all involved believe a new school for Portobello is appropriate and necessary. A building should reflect what goes on within it, and Portobello High School is a centre of excellent learning and creativity, the pupils of which deserve not to have to go home to use the toilet.
It’s the systems, if any, being used by the council and government which are letting them down.
George has been working with the PFANS (Portobello for New Schools) to do what he can to help move this process along. He recently wrote a motion to Parliament, after having watched a very professional DVD by pupils making their case.
What is needed is clarity over what funding is available and where that funding will come from. There is little point in talk with no action. The council is seeking 80% of the cost from the Government, but neither the council nor government have actually given a penny to getting it done.
The frustration of all involved is evident. The people of Portobello have a great vision for their new school. It’s time for the Council and Government to commit to it, with less talk and more action.
To get in touch with the Portobello For a New School (PFANS) organisation, you can email them at pfans@hotmail.co.uk
Campaign for a Leith Museum
For decades, there have been repeated calls for the establishment of a Leith Museum. Campaigns have been launched, studies carried out, promises made - but Leith, one of the most historic communities in Scotland, still does not have a permanent, full time, museum. Now, as Leith undergoes massive change, the case for the port to have its own museum is stronger than ever.
A museum will be a showcase of Leith's heritage to the Leith community, bringing together Leithers of many generations with those who have settled in Leith only recently. Leith deserves a museum which will appeal to both young and old, strengthen community links at a time of rapid social change, and will highlight Leith's important role in the history of Scotland as a whole. Now is the time for government and public agencies, with the support also of the big developers who are transforming the face of Leith, to make a real commitment to help establish a real museum for Leith.
This campaign calls upon Edinburgh City Council to support the establishment of a Leith museum, along with the others who can have an important role to play in making this dream a reality - the Scottish Executive and Historic Scotland, the National Museums of Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the National Trust for Scotland, the National Lottery, and the Leith community itself. If you support this campaign for a Leith museum, sign the petition and show your support as well!
For more information take at look at the Campaign for Leith website
Page last updated: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:05:39 +0100.
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