A public café located within the reception of an Ayrshire super school has been branded as ‘unsafe’ by parents.
East Ayrshire Council announced the reopening of Pipers’ Café at The Barony Campus in Cumnock this week, which serves up soup, sandwiches, paninis, toasties, and home baking to the general public during school hours from Monday to Friday.
But concerned parents have blasted the council’s decision to make the café, situated in the reception area of the school, open to the public as ‘ludicrous’, ‘bonkers’ and ‘unsafe’.
One parent reflected on the Dunblane massacre in 1996, which prompted tight security in schools across the country, adding: “There’s plenty of empty buildings in Cumnock for Pipers’ Café.”
Another said: “The kids pass through this area to get to the gym, lunch hall, assembly, and sit there whilst waiting on someone picking them up.
“Every primary they’ve been at before had 6ft fences, gates and PVGs to stop undesirables getting in but the ‘super school’ are inviting anyone and everyone in.”
Now a petition has been launched calling on the council to reconsider the cafe’s clientele, keeping it open only for pupils, staff and parents.
Kerrie McGregor, who launched the petition, said: “The café area is an amazing space but should only be for parents/guardians, pupils and staff.
“Staff are PVG checked to keep the weans safe, yet the council think it’s acceptable to let any random member from the public access this area.
“Anyone working with children within or outwith a school needs to be registered that they aren’t likely to put a child at risk. Why would you put children at risk in opening a PUBLIC café in a school?
“Ludicrous to put anyone, whether it be a child or a staff member, in a vulnerable position.”
The petition has racked up almost 250 signatures since being launched on Monday.
The café first opened its doors in 2021 but it's understood parents have only now realised the facility is open to the public following a post on the council’s Facebook page, stating the café provides “a warm welcome, delicious food and drinks to the local community.”
East Ayrshire Council reassured parents that “security issues have been considered” and measures are in place to protect pupils.
A council spokesperson said: “The Pipers’ Café within the Barony Campus was designed and built as a community café. The café was included in the extensive consultation process and is designed to offer food and drinks to the wider school community visiting the school.
“The café is at the front door of the Campus, adjacent to a manned reception desk and normal school security arrangements mean that visitors do not have access to any of the schools.
“The café opened to the public in July 2021, however the restrictions introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic meant that we have worked with some restrictions, but is now fully open to the wider school community.
“Security issues have been considered with measures implemented to protect children and young people while maintaining a welcoming feel.
“The council would like to reassure parents and carers that access to the café has been fully considered by Facilities and Property Management, and Education Services and provides a positive addition to the Campus.”
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