THE new fence being built at Caledonia Primary School in Saltcoats has been delayed – after the contractors hired to do the work went into liquidation.

Recently, we reported that the sandstone wall surrounding the school was knocked down following fears over the safety of it, much to the annoyance of two local councillors.

Now both Jim Montgomerie and Jean McClung have hit back out as work continues after the children returned to school on Monday morning.

Labour Councillor Jim Montgomerie told the Herald: “As I have made clear in your paper, I certainly wasn’t happy about the school wall being taken down but if it was unsafe it had to be dealt with.

"It is extremely unfortunate news for those in the local area who will be affected by this disappointing news.

“The timing could not be worse considering the youngsters are back at school on Monday.

"I have been assured that the council will work quickly to appoint a new contractor to complete the works.

“After being informed that Hay and Anderson had gone into liquidation my initial thought was the safety of the children going back to school on the Monday.

"My second thought was that local people working for the company may lose their jobs.”

Cllr Montgomerie told the Herald that he spoke to the council and that additional fencing would be put in place but a final date for completion was not available.

SNP councillor for the Saltcoats Ward, Jean McClung, was disappointed at the news and told the Herald: “I was informed today of Hay and Anderson’s liquidation, and the subsequent delay to the completion of this project.

"My immediate concern was for the safety of the children who returned to school on Monday.

"I could not envisage children out playing safely in what at present resembles a building-site!

"Although I have been assured that additional heras fencing will be put in place between the children’s play area and the work-area, and that appropriate risk assessments will be carried out by any new contractors appointed, I feel that this is not an ideal environment for my constituent’s children.

“I have also received some information about the cost of the project, and the timing of completion of contracts but remain confused as to why, as an elected member for the area, I was not consulted about the proposals to knock this wall down in the first place

"I would most certainly have had some input to offer, regarding its historical value for one thing."

Councillor McClung added: “On a more personal note, I am disappointed on behalf of members of the Three Towns Growers.

"I had arranged for some of the red sandstone remains, to be delivered to the allotments in Ardrossan, for use in rockeries and the like.

"The location of these stones appears at present to be uncertain.

"I have never knowingly broken a promise or let anyone down in the past, so am disappointed to find myself potentially in that position now.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, there has been an issue with the contractors, meaning we were unable to complete the new fencing in time for the schools returning.

“Additional temporary fencing has been put in place between the playground and work area to ensure the safety of the pupils is not compromised.

"In the meantime, we are putting measures in place to ensure the fence installation is completed as soon as possible.”