School survey 'chaos' as thousands are missed out
FURY has erupted after news that thousands missed out on a controversial survey which could lead to schools being axed.
Around 43,000 questionnaires have been issued by East Dunbartonshire Council as it decides the future of local primary, nursery and special schools.
But there was fury this week as it emerged that 4,500 households were initially missed out due to a computer error.
The surveys were finally due to be issued last week and the council has extended the deadline – but only for those who got their questionnaires late.
However, the authority has no way of telling which surveys were issued and when.
Campsie and Kirkintilloch North councillor Charles Kennedy said the exercise – which is costing the council 32,000 – had descended into chaos. He hit out: "It's totally chaotic. They couldn't even get the questionnaires out in time.
"The questionnaire will not stop school closures if this is the way the administration wants to address the budget deficit.
"People want to know which schools are on the hit-list."
The first deadline for surveys to be returned was last Friday (October 9), but those who initially missed out now have until next Tuesday, October 20.
A council spokesperson confirmed: "There was an error with the address database. As a result, around 4,500 addresses in various parts of the authority were not included in the initial mailshot. This has been rectified. We apologise for this database error."
The spokesperson added: "All areas that were missed were due to receive their questionnaire by the end of last week and will have an extended closing date of October 20, 2009."
The council has confirmed that the exercise will cost 32,000, including the supply of surveys, analysis of returns and a final report on the findings.
East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson last week called for the deadline to be extended, but rejected calls by Councillor Kennedy for a boycott.
Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: "I'm pleased that Jo has recognised the importance of this issue and the need for local people to take part, but I don't agree that we have allowed too little time for respondents to complete their questionnaires.
"The surveys were sent out on September 27 and 28, and we started receiving responses back quickly.
"We are working with an experienced, independent research company and took their advice on the optimum response time for a process of this nature."
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