A CONCERNED parent has hit out at an Ardrossan school over a lack of soap dispensers in the girls' toilets.

The Herald has been told no soap has been provided in the girls' toilets at Ardrossan Academy for several weeks.

One parent said the school was failing to provide "a basic human right".

North Ayrshire Council says the dispensers have been affected by vandalism and that staff at the school are "managing the situation as best they can".

The parent told the Herald they were first made aware of the hygiene issue when their child became unwell and had to take time off school.

 

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: There has been no soap in some of the bathrooms at Ardrossan Academy "for weeks".On their return, they said, there was still no sign of working soap dispensers and no alternatives being offered.

They told the Herald: "There is no soap or anything to wash their hands with after using the toilet.

"This may look like a mild complaint but the fact that we are in winter and the flu, Covid and cold viruses are still around makes it completely unacceptable. 

"It's a basic human right to wash your hands.

"My child is constantly unwell and having to miss education because of this.

"We are not long out of a pandemic and I would like to know why parents have not been told or advised to provide their children with hand sanitiser if they are removing basic soap."

Council officials said school staff were working to solve the issue and insisted hygiene was still of the utmost importance.

A spokesperson for NAC said: “Unfortunately, there are instances when fittings such as soap dispensers are broken inadvertently or vandalised.

“When this happens, we strive to repair them or install new dispensers within 24 hours.

“While these dispensers are filled daily, some units may leak due to damage incurred.

“We have ordered additional soap dispensers and staff are taking action to make the units more secure. 

“Hygiene is of paramount importance to us, and we will continue to manage the situation as best as we can.”