Parent questions Annan Academy security

DESPITE the construction of a security fence and gates around the perimeter of Annan Academy, one concerned parent believes the school is still not fully secure and is lagging behind other education establishments in the region.

Writing to this paper, the parent cited an intruder incident that sparked a lockdown last November, although no harm was caused to children or staff.

They said: “Shortly after this incident, work began on improving security, and a large perimeter fence with a number of gates was installed, at a cost of many thousands of pounds no doubt.

“Six months on, with the fence and gates complete, the sad fact is that still the pupils and staff are no safer now than they were.

“The reason, it seems, is that the authorities who manage Annan Academy cannot agree who should, or who should not, lock the requisite gates in the new security fence, and who should open them. “The result- the gates are left open 24 hours a day and provide no security whatsoever to pupils and staff at the school.

“If this isn’t an absolute scandal then I don’t know what is.”

They have pointed out that it’s the 30th anniversary of the Dunblane massacre, after which an enquiry made recommendations to try and prevent a similar tragedy.

“One was that those who operate our schools should take necessary steps to ensure pupils and staff were secure within the premises during a school day, and that the school authorities should take responsibility for said security. That was 30 years ago!” added the parent, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Looking at other schools, there is clear evidence of the recommendations being implemented, all except at Annan Academy, one of the biggest schools in our region.

“Questions need to be asked of the school authorities, and of the headteacher: why is it that a simple task of locking and unlocking some gates to keep our children safe cannot be implemented?

“On any day, of any school week, adults can be seen in the immediate proximity of the school, some even deem it responsible to walk their dogs through the academy playing fields, during class time, and when pupils are participating in activities on that field.

“Secured gates would ensure this does not happen.”

A Dumfries and Galloway spokesman said gates were being locked in line with the needs of the school community.

However, it is understood that, until a ramp is constructed, the gates cannot be locked for any great length of time due to access issues.

The spokesman said: “The council recognises that keeping learners and staff safe is of paramount importance. This is why investment has been made to increase security on the site of Annan Academy in relation to the new fencing and gates.

“We’re also committed to making the Annan Academy site as accessible as possible for learners in wheelchairs and/or with disabilities. “Work on the ramp is progressing and will be completed in the next few weeks to greatly improve accessibility to parts of the school.

“The gates are being unlocked and locked in line with the needs of the movements of the school community.

“They are opened to allow the flow of the school community during times where the school campus is in use and locked outwith these times.

“Once the works on the ramp is completed, the gates will be locked for longer times in between, as access will be available via other routes (the ramp).”