THERE was controversy in the budget when plans for a new Ardrossan Academy were put back until at least 2025.

Plans for new school buildings for Irvine’s Montgomery Park and Annick primaries were agreed, however.

This led to angry exchanges in the chamber as Ardrossan and Arran SNP councillor Tony Gurney accused the Labour leader Joe Cullinane of ignoring the pupils of the school.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Gurney said: “All serious assessments of the school estate have continually identified Ardrossan Academy as the school most in need of replacement.

“People will remember previous proposals to build a replacement were blocked by Labour councillors.

“A replacement for Ardrossan Academy was still the priority for the previous SNP administration.

“We kept in on the capital plan and made it clear that it would be the first new school as and when funds allowed.

“This new budget from Labour has thrown out those plans and mean that no money will be spent in Ardrossan for at least the next six years.

Fellow SNP councillor Jean McClung added: “It is indeed disappointing to see Ardrossan Academy ignored yet again.

“Many of my constituents attend the Academy and I am frustrated at the lack of investment in this school on our doorstep.”