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THOSE interested in the fate of the former Lochgilphead High School site will have an opportunity to get involved next week – with two events taking place on Wednesday, February 20.
Fyne Homes will be presenting their intended use of the site in the afternoon with a public meeting held by Argyll and Bute Council in the evening.
A spokesperson for Fyne Homes said their presentation would ‘give us a chance to present our proposals if we purchased the land and let the public ask any questions. We’ve already had a consultation on the plans in the community.’
Many local residents are concerned about the buildings, arguing that they could be put to a variety of uses other than housing. The lack of a community hall in Lochgilphead is often cited as a prime example.
There have also been calls to make the buildings more secure while these options are discussed, a point vindicated by the recent break-in which caused thousands of pounds of damage. Many of the windows have been smashed and concrete slabs removed. Lower windows have now all been boarded up.
Area Property Officer for Argyll and Bute Council, Derek White, estimates that to make the school operational again would cost £200,000.
Equipment from the Home Economics department, earmarked for Islay High School, has also been irreparably damaged. Four youths have been reported to the Children’s Panel in relation to these crimes.
In a further incident, the theft of copper pipes led to the lower ground floor being flooded on Tuesday.
There is now a permanent security guard on the premises in an attempt to stop further damage.
Some local residents, who feel the council is treating the handover to Fyne Homes as a ‘fait accompli’, have produced posters and leaflets to encourage attendance at the public meeting.
The Fyne Homes presentation will take place at Lochgilphead Community Centre in the afternoon from 1.30 until 4pm. The public meeting will be held in Lochgilphead Joint Campus at 7pm. This will be attended by the Director of Community Services, Douglas Hendry, and representatives from other relevant council departments.
