Primary pupils will be heading to the new Netherthird Primary after the October holidays, construction bosses have confirmed.

Work on the year-long project started last September.

At the time of starting construction, some companies had voiced concerns about the ability to source materials, leading to fears that the primary’s finishing date could be pushed back.

However, Keir Construction, who are carrying out the work have said that everything is moving ahead as planned, with a handover to East Ayrshire Council due to take place.

Cumnock Chronicle: Work beginning on the empty site last year (Image- Tommy Samson Netherthird & District Community Council)Work beginning on the empty site last year (Image- Tommy Samson Netherthird & District Community Council) (Image: (Image- Tommy Samson Netherthird & District Community Council))

Pupils are then due to start classes at the new school after the October break, which is due to end on October 25.

Shortly after the schools return, a trial will begin to restrict parking around the school during school hours.

During the restricted periods - weekdays at school opening and closing times - only permit holders, blue badge holders, school transport vehicles (including contracted taxis) and exempted vehicles will be able to drive on the affected roads.

The scheme is part of the School Streets initiative, which is already in operation at other primary schools in East Ayrshire, and which aims to improve road safety and encourage 'active travel' to and from school, such as walking and cycling.

The trial will last until at least the February mid-term holiday and the results of the monitoring will be used to decide the future of the scheme.

When work on the new site started, it had been four year since the plans had been earmarked for the new school.

Cumnock Chronicle: Work was progressing nicely (Image- Tommy Samson Netherthird & District Community Council)Work was progressing nicely (Image- Tommy Samson Netherthird & District Community Council) (Image: Tommy Samson Netherthird & District Community Council)

Netherthird pupils have been attending the former Greenmill Primary school in Cumnock in the meantime, following the closure and demolition of the old Netherthird Primary School.

The brand new facility will include nine classrooms and four supported learning spaces.

Keir construction confirmed to the Chronicle that plans are progressing as theyr should be.

A company spokesperson said: “We continue to work collaboratively with staff at Netherthird primary school and East Ayrshire Council to deliver a modern new school which offers first-class facilities for pupils.

"We have been working closely with our local supply chain partners to complete this project, and following a number of external factors, we are on-track to hand over the school in the coming weeks and students will be able to utilise the new amenities after October half-term.”