Mearns Conservative Councillor, George Carr, has requested that no quick decision be taken in relation to Community facilities in Laurencekirk following the building of a replacement Mearns Academy with associated community facilities.
Speaking at the Aberdeenshire Council Education Leisure and Learning Committee, the Mearns Councillor stated that “much work still needs to be done to ensure that the activities currently taking place at the Community Centre and elsewhere in Laurencekirk will not be compromised. The new Mearns Academy will be a tremendous asset to the Mearns, but space will be at a premium and discussions are still ongoing with Officers and the architects to ensure that we maximise the available space in the new academy to incorporate community activities”.
“I have requested that no decision is taken on the future of the Community Centre in particular, until we have identified alternative accommodation, and also for the community to have an opportunity to look at alternative uses for the building.
A recent HMI inspection of the Community Education activities was very positive and inspectors were impressed by the quality of work taking place in the Community Centre. We all have a responsibility to ensure that good work continues.”