Labour and SNP members locked horns after it was revealed that the new Ardrossan Academy might be built slightly earlier than previously thought.

The dispute broke out after Jim Montgomerie asked the council leader for an update on the school’s replacement at a meeting of North Ayrshire Council on Wednesday, September 19.

The Herald reported earlier this year that the new £31.5million school had been delayed again, with works not anticipated to start until at least 2025.

But Councillor Joe Cullinane said that “a positive meeting” had been held between the authority and Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney, last month to discuss the investment in the school’s replacement.

He added: “It has always been made clear that the project would be accelerated in the capital plan if the Scottish Government announced funding through the next phase of the Schools for the Future programme. Following our discussions with the Scottish Government we anticipate the next phase of the funding to be available around 2021.”

But Tony Gurney, SNP councillor for Ardrossan, accused his Labour colleagues of being more interested in “scoring political points” than in the education of local children.

Councillor Gurney put forward a motion that the council instruct the administration to prioritise a new Ardrossan Academy during its consideration of the capital budget and to explore all funding opportunities available “for this long overdue project”.

He claimed that when he had mentioned the subject before, the council leader had challenged him “to do something about it” and had accused him of being passive on the matter.

He said: “Let’s not make this about political points, let’s remind ourselves that what we’re talking about is the education of our children.”

Councillor Jean McClung seconded Councillor Gurney’s motion, but Councillor Cullinane questioned the competence of the motion.

The Council Leader was in turn criticised by Councillor Alan Hill, who accused him of making another contribution instead of asking a question.

Councillor Cullinane added that he had an amendment which “covers and reflects the discussions that we have actually had with the Scottish Government”.

He said: “Instead of instructing the administration to prioritise the replacement of Ardrossan Academy and to seek funding opportunities the amendment says: ‘Council welcomes the administration’s pro-active action to hold early discussions between North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government over funding for the replacement of Ardrossan Academy.

“’Council notes that these discussions have been positive and further meetings are planned between the council and government officials. Council expects the Scottish Government to announce the next phase of the Schools for the Futures programme later this year with funding available from 2021 onwards. Council therefore reiterates its ambition to secure funds from the Schools for the Future programme as early as possible in order to replace Ardrossan Academy at the earliest opportunity.’

“That accurately reflects the position that we currently are, it takes away any political fighting from that and it says that yes, the council reiterates its decision for this exciting project at the earliest possible opportunity.”