Parents occupy closure-threatened school building

Parents have staged a sit-in at a closure-threatened school in North Lanarkshire.

It is understood that about 10 parents took part in the protest at Gartsherrie Primary School in Coatbridge.

The local authority announced in March that the primary school, which is 30% below full capacity, would close this year.

The sit-in follows an unsuccessful High Court bid on 28 May by parents to keep the school open.

North Lanarkshire Council said that if the parents continued their sit-in beyond Thursday morning, the school would not be able to open for lessons.

In a statement, the authority said: "It is disappointing that a minority of parents have chosen to take this course of action which merely adds disruption for the vast majority.

"We understand parents' disappointment, however the decision to close a school is never taken lightly."

The council added that it had 8,500 surplus primary places across North Lanarkshire, equivalent to 40 average-sized schools.

A spokesman added: "This means we are heating, lighting and maintaining empty classrooms at a time when we face unprecedented financial challenges."

Arrangements have been made for Gartsherrie pupils to use spare rooms at Coatbridge High School and parents were advised to bring their children to Gartsherrie as normal.