Published: Tuesday, 2nd February, 2010 4:00pm

Merger could save school

FUTURE: St Martin's Primary

THE future of St Martin's Primary has taken a new twist after it was revealed that a solution has been found which could keep the school open.

The Renton school is facing the axe after West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) announced that the primary was too expensive to run.

In December, the SNP-led administration revealed its preference was to close St Martin's and move pupils to St Mary's Primary in Central Alexandria.

However, WDC's money men have now put forward the idea of moving Renton Nursery into the building - alongside the already-present Vale of Leven Nursery - in a move which could save the school.

The Reporter revealed last week that WDC had admitted it was unsure about the exact amount of money which could be saved by closing the school.

And during WDC's annual budget meeting on Thursday, SNP councillors confirmed they have now "accepted the savings generated" by amalgamating the two nurseries within the school building.

The announcement comes during the six-week obligatory period of consultation on the closure, and will provide a great boost to the school's Parent Council and others campaigning to keep St Martin's open.

Councillor Jim Bollan, who is staunchly opposed to the closure of St Martin's Primary, said: "I'm delighted that the SNP is now agreeing to [look at] keeping the school open.

"I think the parents and staff should be congratulated for the campaign they have fought."

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