PRIMARY school pupils have slammed a decision to approve plans for a nursery to be built on their playing fields.

Ben Rowan, 11, and 10-year-old Ailish Dunlop have written open letters to Councillor Annette Ireland after she moved a motion to give the go-ahead to proposals that will see a nursery and car park built on greenspace at Busby Primary.

A total of 166 objections were lodged by parents and local residents but the plans were approved by East Renfrewshire Council at a meeting last week.

READ MORE: Parents urge council to ‘play fair’ over plans to scrap greenspace at Busby Primary

In his letter to Cllr Ireland, who represents the SNP, Ben wrote: “I would like to ask why you have voted to build on greenspace.

“Last year, you came into my class and spoke about how good being a councillor was. One thing you also said was you were voted by the people and would help the people of East Renfrewshire, so doesn’t that mean you were lying because you said that you would help the people and really you just ignored them by building on every bit of greenspace?

“My school is too busy for more space being taken away because, when the nursery is built, my school are going to stagger lunches, which will completely mess up our day.”

“You have given children across East Renfrewshire a no green childhood and no green outdoor learning. This is not ok, and I hope you realise that because there is a higher chance that next election you will not be a councillor.

“This has not made anyone happy apart from you.”

Ailish, who is a member of the school’s eco committee, also expressed her disappointment.

She wrote: “Last year, a man came all the way from Barcelona to build and eco-wall with some of the classes. When I was in primary three, our deputy head teacher, Mr Weir, built a pizza oven and every year, we have a ‘fun day’ where a bouncy castle come. We have a lot of activities outside. The field is the only greenspace we have left. Lots of people will miss the field and we hardly have any space in the playground.”

“Lots of people will be very upset because the field is the most important place in the school.”

“Our school needs green to learn.”

Councillor David Macdonald, who represents Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood as an Independent, also hit out at the decision – and pledged to continue to voice his opposition.

He said: “This decision was just despicable and, quite frankly, as low as politics gets.”

“The fight continues.”

East Renfrewshire Council has stressed that, under plans announced by the Scottish Government, it is required to “significantly increase” the number of nursery places available in the area by August 2020.

Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “We are committed to providing the very best facilities for all our children and young people, to support their learning journey.

“The outdoor space which will be created as part of the nursery will provide a fantastic environment for our youngest learners to explore and enjoy.

“The new development will improve access to outdoor space by creating a direct link to the eco garden, allowing pupils to benefit from this area on a regular basis.”