Retired school teacher vows to fight any plans to close Arran Outdoor Centre
Councillors binned plans to close the site only a year ago
A retired primary school teacher turned campaigner has vowed to fight any bid to close the Arran Outdoor Education Centre by North Ayrshire Council once again.
Last year, Jim Hughes played a big part in opposing the local authority's plans to close the popular site in a bid to save money.
Purpose-built nearly 30 years ago on the shores of Lamlash Bay, the facility is again under threat as council officers include it in a list of many services to be cut in an attempt to plug a £16 million financial blackhole.
Mr Hughes taught in North Ayrshire for 32 years, working at Springside Primary, and Corsehill Primary and finishing his career in June 2022 as Stanley Primary’s Head Teacher.
Between 1996 and 2022, Mr Hughes took the children in his class at the time to the outdoor centre, insisting it gave the kids ‘self-esteem, confidence, resilience, teamwork, ambition, determination, work ethic, achievement, success, mental health, independence and social and emotional behaviour.’
And, speaking to Clyde 1 Ayrshire upon hearing the news potential closure was back on the table, Mr Hughes admits he will pick up the fight again if needed.
He said: “This is just such a valuable resource that is the envy of, not only the rest of Scotland, but probably the whole of Britain in terms of the facilities we have on our doorstep.
“The outdoor centre and the benefits it brings to the kids, particularly of North Ayrshire, we are still in the exact same position, we don’t want it to close.
“I know the council has a difficult decision to make in terms of the number of cuts they need to make, but I am very strongly of the opinion that this is one cut that should not be made given the current circumstances around education and mental health.
“It is something that I believe strongly, every councillor out there should be thinking ahead.”
The last time the centre was under consideration, Mr Hughes penned an open letter urging the council to reverse their plans as well as joining other campaigners on the picket line.
North Ayrshire Council have called an emergency meeting for today (Wednesday) where potential cuts will be discussed.
The axing of school patrol officers, teaching roles and the closure of six libraries are also up for discussion as councillors outline plans for a consultation.
Council Leader Marie Burns said: “It is important to stress that no decisions have yet been taken and nothing will be decided until all councillors meet next year to set the Budget.
“It’s no secret that all public sector organisations are facing difficult financial decisions – we are no different.
“We have a legal duty to set a balanced budget so it is likely that all councillors in North Ayrshire will face difficult decisions next year.
“Council officers have drawn up a series of areas in which we will engage with residents and seek their views. This will help inform future service provision and the setting of the Council’s budget in February 2025.
“First and foremost in our minds throughout this process will be our commitment to protect and support our communities across North Ayrshire to the very best of our ability.”
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