A former school dinner lady and charity champion of Largs is calling for a fundraiser for a school minibus after it was revealed that Largs Academy is the only secondary school in North Ayrshire not to have access to this mode of transportation.
Janet Muir, who used to volunteer at the Helter Skelter teenage café, has been calling for funds from the sale of the property to be channelled in the direction of purchasing a school minibus, and has offered to get involved in helping to fundraise.
We reported earlier this year that the sale had brought in £100,000 which was expected to be used for youth projects in the town, with Cllr Alan Hill suggesting that match funding could see that figure double to £200,000 to benefit children in the town.
Janet has been involved in various fundraisers in Largs in the past, including raising money for the Largs Boys Brigade mini-bus, as well as a host of other fundraisers in the town, having also made her own cakes to boost funds for local causes.
She told the News she was eager to help the school get a much needed minibus after head teacher John Doherty revealed in a letter to her that the school does not have one, and would very much like the use of a school bus in future.
Mrs Muir also addressed a recent meeting of Largs Community Council to highlight the situation.
Head teacher John Doherty responded to a letter from Janet, and said: “Largs Academy would be very grateful to be considered for grant funding in order to allow us to purchase a school minibus and to support staff in costs incurred to permit and train them to drive it.
“We are the only secondary school in North Ayrshire who does not have a minibus for their own use, and we currently spend between £8,000 and £10,000 per year hiring coaches for curricular school trips and sporting events.
“Having our own minibus would enable to open up further opportunities for pupils of all ages, not just in the Academy, but across the school campus.
“Even if this is not a feasible use of money, we would welcome the opportunity to be involved in any discussion or future planning around the Helter Skelter fund.”
Speaking at the recent Largs Community Council meeting, Janet said: “I do a bit of fundraising in the town and I helped with Helter Skelter over the years as a lot of other people did, and I know that Helter Skelter has been sold, and Largs Academy badly needs a minibus. We are the only secondary in North Ayrshire without a minibus.
“The letter from the headmaster Mr Doherty underlines this point. At the end of the day, we are doing it for the kids, and it would be brilliant if the schoolchildren could benefit from this.”
Consultations have also taken place with schoolchildren about various youth projects they would like to see going forward. Adverts for the purchase of new minibuses suggest it would cost in the region of £35,000.
Largs Community Council gave their backing to the calls for fundraising for a school minibus, with Jamie Black offering to provide assistance.
Janet also told the News that she is hoping to meet up with Cllr Alan Hill to discuss the matter further.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here