More than 400 people turned out at the first consultation meeting to debate whether a new secondary school should be built in East Calder .

Given the choice between that and bussing children to Winchburgh or Livingston a show of hands left council officials in no doubt that a new school for East Calder is the only choice for the majority.

Strength of feeling was evident in the turnout at Calderwood Primary school on Monday night . Such local information evenings on catchment area changes usually attract no more than two dozen parents. Organisers said they were ” blown away” by the support.

The council had already had early warning of the opposition it faces to bus children. Local councillors have been deluged with questions and opposition to the initial plan.

Last month the Calderwoo

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