PARENTS fighting to save a closure-threatened primary school are "delighted" by a last-minute U-turn by Scottish Liberal Democrat councillors.

Bearsden Primary Schoolis one of more than two dozens in East Dunbartonshire at threat of closure under council cost-saving measures.

But results of an independent consultation show 95% of parents object to the move, as did 66% of 2200 responses to the consultation.

Three local Liberal Democrat councillors who were originally thought to be backing the proposal have nowpledged to oppose it.

In a letter to constituents, Vaughan Moody, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Bearsden South, said: "My Lib Dem colleagues and I have listened to what residents have told us in the consultation, at our surgeries and on the doorstep. The great majority made it very clear that Bearsden Primary should remain where it is.

"They felt, and I agree, that Bearsden Primary is an integral part of the community. Lib Dem councillors made it clear they could not support moving Bearsden Primary therefore it has been dropped."

The campaign to save Bearsden Primary was given high profile backing from former pupil Mark Knopfler, of the group Dire Straits, and Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson.

A spokeswoman for the Save Bearsden Primary Campaign said: "We are delighted that our local councillors have listened to us in this way, though we know the decision will need to be ratified at full council next week.

"We are also pleased at the support given by our local community though we feel for parents at the other schools affected by the merger plans and give them our full support."

The council's proposals affect the future of 36 schools across the area that will see them close or merge.

Parents from all schools have launched campaigns opposing the plans.

Of around 7000 responses to a public consultation 2,200 were in relation to Bearsden Primary School with 66% strongly oposing the closure.

Without the support of the Liberal Democrat councillors the plans to close Bearsden would not have enough backing to go through.

A spokesman for East Dunbartonshire Council said a decision would be taken at a full council meeting on March 27.

Gerry Cornes, chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: "The papers for the Council meeting on March 27 have not yet been issued.

"They will be issued on Thursday, March 21 and will then be debated by full council at their meeting next week. No decisions will be taken until the Council meets on March 27."

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk