Council hit back at teacher attack figures

Two local MSPs have branded attacks on teachers in Perth and Kinross schools as unacceptable after producing figures showing over 1300 attacks in the past 5 years. Conservatives Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith say one attack is too many and are calling for Centres to be set up that would take unruly pupils out of mainstream education. But Perth and Kinross Council are adamant that programmes put in place to help kurb the violence have vastly improved the situation, with a drop year on year in attacks.

Community climate challenge success

Two Perthshire community groups have made successful bids to the Climate Challenge fund, it has been announced today. Ardoch Development Association has been awarded 19 thousand pounds to fund an advisory role, to assist households implementing measures to reduce emissions by 10 percent. And the South Perth Community Partnership is to receive over 50 thousand pounds for an allotment project, encouraging social cohesion and the reduction of waste and CO2 emissions through organic gardening. The Climate Challenge Fund was launched by the Scottish Government in 2008 and totals over 27 million pounds.

Committee sees parties clash on school meal issue

Yesterday's Lifelong Learning Committee meeting saw a clash between the parties. Conservative Councillors stated earlier in the week that they believed plans for primary school children to receive free breakfasts was discriminatory – as the pilot scheme would only be launched in selected schools. Vice Convenor councillor George Hayton says he understands the 'fairness' argument but believes this new pilot is the best way forward.