East Dunbartonshire Council is to write to the Scottish and Westminster governments seeking additional funding for three stalled school construction projects.

A lack of funds led to the council putting its plans to rebuild Balmuidy Primary in Bishopbriggs and refurbish Bearsden and Milngavie primary schools.

At a recent meeting councillors agreed to seek extra funding grants after council leader Gordan Low accepted the terms of an amendment tabled by Councillor Vaughan Moody (Liberal Democrat, Bearsden South).

Councillor Moody’s amendment called for the council to write to First Minister John Swinney, which Councillor Low agreed to, adding that Chancellor Rachel Reeves was also to be contacted with local MPs copied in on the correspondence.

Councillor Low said that the council froze these projects in December due to the financial circumstances until ways can be found to make them affordable.  However design and planning work does continue elsewhere. The Lennoxtown High Park project was also recently completed while construction of the Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre has now begun.

He added that he had been given “very frank” advice from officers with regard to the three school projects and that it was “clear” the council is not currently in a financial position to complete them.

“I know that is incredibly frustrating to everyone across the chamber, most especially for the officers who have carried out the work, and particularly frustrating and disappointing for the school communities themselves, who I know have waited a long time to get this far,” he added.

Councillor Low added that the council would continually monitor the affordability of these projects and when they became financially sustainable they would be brought back to committee for approval.

“There is no doubt that we want to see our young people educated in first rate buildings that match the first rate education they already receive,” he added.

Councillor Moody, who was seconded by fellow Liberal Democrat and newly elected MP Susan Murray, requested an updated report on the exact financial position around the projects be presented to council as it was now halfway through the financial year.