Public view on East Ren college
PLANS for East Renfrewshire college were given the green light at last week's budget meeting.
This proposal has been the topic of much debate with councillors arguing over if it is needed and if it should be built in Barrhead.
So The Extra took to the streets to find out what residents think.
Stephanie Stewart (25) from Whitecraigs said: "Students are more likely to go to a college in Glasgow than travel out to Barrhead.
"The three main colleges are forming a super college so how can one in Barrhead compete with this? There would have to flats built here and affordable living for a college to be successful.
"Not a lot of people, especially students can afford to live in East Ren".
Bob Milne (59) from Newton Mearns added: "It is a great idea to build a college for East Ren but I don't think it should be in Barrhead. They get all the money so it should be built in the Mearns".
And Davie Trotter-King from Newton Mearns said: "A college should be built somewhere central with transport links established.
"The links from Mearns and Giffnock to Barrhead almost don't exist. I would be in favour of it being built in Barrhead if they addressed the issue of transport".
But Louise Gibson (38) from Giffnock was fully behind the idea. She said: "East Ren needs a college. We wouldn't have to travel all the way into Glasgow which would be great. The only question I would pose would be about parking and what provision would be offered".
Mark McLauchlan (21) lives in Barrhead with his son Markie (4). He told The Extra: "A college would be good for the youngsters and keep them occupied.
"It would help bring people into the area — helping boost shops and businesses. There isn't really a downside to it as far as I can see".
Siobhan McGeough is a mother-of-two from Barrhead and also supports the idea. She said: "If my children could go to college in Barrhead it would be great — they could even walk to their classes.
"I don't think it is an issue it being built here as I know people from East Kilbride who go to the North College in Springburn for a particular course.
"So if this college can offer something like that then it would be a huge success".
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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