Concerns raised about coronavirus spread at school gates

Councillor Gordon Wallace said problems remain and action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

He highlighted Academy Road, outside Giffnock Primary, in his own ward – describing it as “like the Barras in the morning”.

The Tory councillor said: “At the beginning, when schools went back there were risk assessments carried out. That was to minimise the risk of transmission from different adults entering the school playground.”

He added: “I would like to highlight Academy Road, where Giffnock Primary is just now. This was raised at the start of the term; it was like the Barras on Academy Road in the morning. I know the headteacher has been trying to stagger people coming in, in the morning. Suffice to say, the problem remains.”

He called on council leader Tony Buchanan to ensure the issue is treated as a priority.

“It’s two months since the issue was first raised by the parent council,” he said. “If the council are seen to be taking action then you can be assured that our residents will respond in kind,” he added.

Mr Buchanan said: “I am aware of a number of issues which were flagged up back in August.

“I know a lot of work was done in trying to get the message out to parents across the board, to advise them about social distancing and not crowding round the school gates. It’s disappointing that it is still happening in many areas, and certainly if there is anything else that can be done in terms of traffic mitigation, all the officers in the council will take note and see what they can do.

“I know that many of our parent councils have been working on it and trying to put the information out, as has our education department and environment department.”

He added: “We know the message is going out there, we really need people to listen and obey the rules.

“That is what is going to improve our standing in terms of reducing this virus. It’s about asking people to do the right thing, to wear a face mask and socially distance and please adhere to the rules.”

Councillor Caroline Bamforth said she understood schools, Police Scotland and the council’s education department had met to discuss the issue.

East Renfrewshire’s departing education director Mhairi Shaw said Covid-19 cases at Giffnock Primary were minimal and “none have been generated from the school or from Academy Road”.

“We do have the support of the campus police officer who is monitoring very closely in that area,” she said.