A council is looking at a radical step of closing schools one day a week to help meet an “unprecedented” budget gap.

Officers at West Dunbartonshire Council have drawn up the plans to be considered by councillors grappling with a budget that needs to find £15 million in savings.

The council has 32 primary schools, five secondary schools and three specialist schools in its area.

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It is understood the plan if accepted as part of the budget, would see schools open four days a week but for a longer school day to meet the contractual hours the council needs to provide.

Secondary schools in the area include Clydebank High and St Peter the Apostle in Clydebank, Dumbarton Academy and Our Lady and St Patrick’s in Dumbarton and Vale of Level Academy.

Primary schools include communities across Clydebank, Dumbarton, Balloch, Old Kilpatrick, Faifley, Renton and Bonhill.

The council has said it is facing the biggest financial challenge in its history this year.

In December it said the difference between the cost of running services and the funding it receives is in excess of £21m for 2023/2024.

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Some savings have already been identified bringing the figure down by £6m.

It also said further funding gaps are anticipated in future years.

Martin Rooney, Council Leader, said previously: “This Council is facing the most challenging financial situation in our history and without additional funding to offset the huge increases in costs we are seeing, these impossible choices are being forced upon us.

“We have a finite amount of money and a £21m funding gap which must be addressed. So even though we know our residents are relying on us more than ever, we have been left with no choice but to reduce services, risking jobs and taking money out of our residents’ pockets at a time when they are reliant on every penny.

“The situation is bleak and we are being faced with impossible choices which will impact our residents.

“We will continue to raise this with the Scottish Government and do everything we can in our powers to seek the funding we need to protect vital services and ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are shielded.”

The council said no decision on closing schools one day a week has been taken yet until the budget meeting in three weeks' time.

A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “This option was developed by officers to address the Council’s unprecedented £15m budget gap.

“No decision can or will be taken until this is considered by elected members at a Council meeting on March 1.”