Local MP hits out at ‘dangerous’ SNP plan to chop bottoms of classroom doors
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has written to Aberdeenshire Council seeking reassurances that they will not take part in proposals to remove bottom sections from doors in school classrooms which could potentially increase the risk of fire spreading.
The SNP Government announced as part of proposed measures to increase air quality in school classrooms, £300,000 to undercut classroom doors to increase ventilation.
It emerged on Thursday (3 Feb) that SNP ministers had failed to consult the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on these plans but doubled down at FMQs in response to questioning by Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Douglas Ross MP MSP.
The plans, which have been branded dangerous has seen retired firefighters warn that classroom doors are vital in stopping the spread of heat and smoke into children’s classrooms.
In response, Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has written to Aberdeenshire Council bosses seeking urgent reassurances that these measures will not be taken in northeast schools.
In his letter, Duguid told Chief Executive, Jim Savege ,”My constituents are rightly worried about ill-though through plans which will potentially make schools more dangerous for their children and to that end I am seeking reassurance that Aberdeenshire Council will not agree to remove sections of doors in classrooms.
“Our schools, our children and their teachers deserve safe learning spaces, with proper, proven means of increasing air quality.”
Commenting, David said,
“It is extraordinary that the SNP are once again wasting time and energy on silly ideas.
“But it is unconscionable that they made these proposals, doubled down on them at FMQs and then admitted they had not even bothered to consult the Fire Service.
“Our childrens’ safety and that of our teachers is being treated as a joke and a minor inconvenience by this SNP Government and it is not good enough.
“I have sought urgent assurances from Aberdeenshire Council that they will not be party to this nonsense and will treat our children and school staff with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
