A PLEA has been issued over ‘misinformation’ circling around a new £16m Borders primary school as the community is urged to unite behind the project.

The replacement of the Eyemouth school on Coldingham Road has faced bumps along the way.

The project was delayed due to urgent repairs at Peebles High School taking priority following a devastating fire there in 2019.

Originally a proposal emerged for a campus-style facility which would also incorporate a library, community centre and house the town’s Citizens Advice service.

But that vision was deemed inappropriate by Eyemouth Community Council and community leaders.

Now East Berwickshire councillor James Anderson has spoken out to address misinformation emerging on social media sites and “set the record straight”.

Mr Anderson says the community will play a central role in the new school going forward.

He said: “It is crucial for me to address recent misunderstandings that have emerged, often fuelled by social media and messages exchanged in WhatsApp groups.

“I recognise that there are feelings of anger stemming from the notion that a decision has already been made regarding the school – a sentiment that is simply not accurate.

“Our last meeting regarding the new school involved the PFA chair and other key consultees sitting down with elected members. Although it may feel like that meeting was a while ago, it highlighted the progress we were making in working together with the community.

“The planning phase for the new school is scheduled for the 2024/25 financial year, and while little visible progress may occur due to the complexity of the proposed work, SBC anticipate breaking ground during the 2025/2026 financial year which theoretically means starting with testing sites for groundwork.

“I must emphasise that the school will not be completed by 2025, a point that has unfortunately been misunderstood.

“Currently, SBC officers are engaged in important discussions regarding the PPI agreement with Amey related to the possible proposed plans. While these discussions are procedural and do not call for public involvement at this stage, they are vital for preparing formal proposals that align with the community’s needs.

“Once these discussions reach a conclusion, I will ensure you are not only informed but actively engaged in the next steps of this process.

“What we truly need now are community members who are enthusiastic and ready to contribute their ideas for the new primary school. Let’s work together to cultivate positivity and collective action, ensuring our initiatives reflect the aspirations of the community we all cherish.

“Together, we have the potential to create a new primary school that genuinely embodies the hopes and needs of every resident in our community.”