A SUGGESTION to establish a series of community schools to be accessible to the council and other public services has been rejected.

Members of South Ayrshire Council met last week to discuss plans on how to maximise the potential of young people, adults,older people, community, environment and of the council.

But Cllr Douglas Campbell brought an amendment to the table highlighting how he believed the 'attainment gap' could be reduced further. 

It suggested 'community schools' would be accessible to the public for a longer periods each day and develop services during the weekends and school holidays.

The proposal said it would asses local needs, develop initiatives and support society involvement in the delivery of public services and social enterprises.

Speaking about the amendment cllr Campbell said: "I think we will all welcome this review. School are closed most of the working year. No other business operates in this way, they would think we are mad.

"We should open them longer. In these schools there should be social worker and health visitors to deliver local services. If we want a community that is energised we need to change."

But this was not well received by councillors.

Cllr Andy Campbell said: "We are already planning something like this for the whole campus."

Cllr Phillip Saxton added: "For years we have been doing this. I take it the councillor is saying we are not doing it good enough. The schools belong to us and are open from 8am until 10pm Monday to Friday."

Cllr Hugh Hunter continued: "I am not unsympathetic but I would not be able to support this should there be a decision made toady."

Councillors agreed to the original motion to maximise the potential of residents across South Ayrshire by improving qualifications and help support businesses and social enterprise.