Plans have been approved for a new education campus in Cumnock.

The new facility will include Hillside Additional Support Needs School and an Early Childhood Centre, as well as new Primary and Secondary provision serving communities around Auchinleck and Cumnock. Construction is set to begin in the next few months, with completion scheduled for 2019.

In addition, the campus will comprise of a Primary Supported Learning Centre and Secondary Supported Learning Centre for children and young people across the region.

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The project's design has been drawn up through a series of public consultation events with parents, staff, children and young people.

Council Leader Douglas Reid said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the Campus has been approved.

"The new Campus will provide outstanding learning facilities for children and young people of all ages, with new and improved provision for those with additional support needs. The decision is on the back of a lot of hard work in getting these plans to the Planning Committee and, during that process we have undertaken unprecedented levels of consultation and engagement with individuals, groups and local communities.

"All objections were comprehensively considered to make sure that all aspects of the proposals were fairly and thoroughly scrutinised.

"It's an important decision for East Ayrshire and work will now begin to build a modern and inspiring campus, designed to maximise the use of available space, with wide ranging benefits for young people and the local community."

(LM)