Work to tackle 'acoustic issues' at Dargavel Primary School 'well underway' says Renfrewshire Council

Work to tackle the "acoustic issues" raised at the existing Dargavel Primary School in Bishopton is "well underway", Renfrewshire Council has confirmed.

The local authority has provided members of the community with an update on improvements that are being carried out at the facility in Arrochar Drive. The alterations were in response to feedback, which outlined challenges around noise caused by the open plan nature of the building.

Gerry Lyons, interim head of education, said: "Internal alterations to improve the acoustic issues raised at Dargavel Primary are well underway. During the Easter holidays, work was carried out to erect a wall between a large open plan classroom to create two individual classrooms and improve acoustic levels between classes.

"Further work is due to commence during the summer holidays to install partitions to open plan atrium areas. This will create a sound barrier between the ground and first floor and will be complete for schools returning after the holidays."

Mr Lyons also updated people on work which is being taken forward on a drop-off and pick-up area next to the school. He said: "Designs are currently progressing for this area and as part of the ongoing engagement over the summer period, we will work with the community to help shape these before progressing to procurement and planning permission stage. The construction of this area will be season/weather dependent and we will keep you updated as work progresses."

Meanwhile, the council has said it will continue to engage with the community on developing designs for a second school, which will be built at the north end of Craigton Drive in the village. A proposal of application notice (PAN) – a statutory process associated with major planning applications – will be submitted in July.

Mr Lyons added: "This is the initial stage of the formal planning process which sets out our intention as developers of the new school site to submit a full planning application following engagement with the community. As part of the PAN process we will be holding two local public events at which the architects' concept designs will go on show.

"This will allow the community to put their views directly to the council as the developer before a planning application is submitted." It's expected the two public events will be held during August and September, with more details to follow in due course.

Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here