Following an extensive consultation period, North Lanarkshire councillors yesterday (Tuesday) approved proposals to build a new St Ambrose High and a new Drumpark Secondary on a co-located site within Drumpellier Park at Townhead Road in Coatbridge.

The proposals to build the new schools forms part of Schools and Centres 21 – the new phase of North Lanarkshire Council's school modernisation programme and are designed to address the accommodation issues within the current St Ambrose High and Drumpark School, improve access to facilities and activities, enhance accommodation and specialist teaching areas, and provide a safer environment.

Three options for St Ambrose and Drumpark had been out for consultation and almost 500 individuals and groups responded. In addition, standard petition letters signed by more than 500 people were received as were results of ballots of more than 1,300 pupils, organised by the schools concerned.

At yesterday's meeting of the Learning & Leisure Services Committee, councillors approved the recommendation to locate the schools on the Townhead Road site, which was the preferred option of the majority of those who responded.

The site was determined as the location that would offer the best educational and community resource opportunities and deliver the maximum benefits to local communities.

Murdo Maciver, North Lanarkshire Council's Head of Educational Resources, said: "Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in this consultation and make their views known. We know that this is a very important issue for local people and it is only right that they played such an active part in this phase of the development plan.

"I am pleased that Townhead Road has been selected as the preferred site for the new schools as it provides much more scope for us to deliver the type of education and community facilities our residents deserve and we know we can do just that.

"I am well aware of the issues raised by those who did not select this site and, while we take these on board, we do not agree that these issues prevent us from delivering major new facilities for the communities in north Coatbridge.

"For example, we accept that the site conditions are difficult; however, our investigations to date indicate that any difficulties can be resolved and the removal of materials from the site to allow works to go ahead will take place under strict licensed conditions.

"We will also be enhancing the quality of leisure and recreation facilities on offer to local communities by providing two grass and one all-weather pitch within the schools grounds as well as upgrading the remaining existing pitches. And much of the green and wooded space will be retained, with the core area of Drumpellier Park untouched.

"Overall, this is about creating a modern, inclusive education environment that will help prepare our pupils for their future careers and lives while enhancing the quality of community, leisure and recreation facilities on offer to everyone.

"The Townhead Road site allows us to do that and, with the committee's approval, we can now progress our plans to put service and people first by establishing a new St Ambrose High and Drumpark Secondary."

The committee's decision will now go forward to the full meeting of North Lanarkshire Council on Thursday 7 February for ratification.