East Renfrewshire Council has said the first stage of consultation regarding the proposed £22m Barrhead High School has come to a close.

Staff, pupils and parents were given the opportunity to share their opinions on the plans at special sessions. The high school and its associated primary schools have been involved in the process to ensure the new school reflects the community's needs.

A meeting with community users of the school has also taken place to inform of developments.

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Following the consultations, each group will be invited back to take part in further workshops in the new term. It will be then, when detailed plans of how the school will look and what it will include, will begin to take shape.

Construction work to replace Barrhead High School is expected to begin next year, with the facility opening in 2015/16. When completed, it will provide facilities for around 850 pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.

It will also be situated next to the existing school, on land adjacent to Cowan Park. Owned by the local authority, the council will be drawing up a masterplan for the park which will focus on the existing facilities and locations, as well as the future development and improvement of sports and play facilities within the park.

The proposals will be developed in consultation with the Friends of Cowan Park, other local groups and park users, and the wider community.

(JP/MH)