City primary schools win reprieve

Parents of the school children were praised for their efforts

Three Aberdeen schools which were facing closure have been reprieved.

Middleton Park, Stoneywood and Kittybrewster primary schools are all to be saved, the city council's policy and education committee decided.

There was applause from the public gallery as Middleton Park parents were the first to get the news that the school would remain open.

Council education spokeswoman Kirsty West said parents had helped to influence the decision.

'Fantastic news'

She told BBC Scotland: "The campaigners have got to be thanked for all the comments they have made."

Aberdeen North SNP MSP Brian Adam said: "This is fantastic news for pupils, parents and teachers in the area.

"This is of course in large part due to the work done by residents, and especially parents."

North East Labour MSP Richard Baker said: "I am delighted. However, I feel strongly that the parents, pupils and staff should not have been put in this position in the first place."

Formal consultation will begin next week on plans to build a new school to replace Bucksburn and Newhills.

Proposals to close Powis Community Centre have also been shelved for further consultation to take place.