A PUBLIC consultation has been launched over plans for changes to school catchment areas.

Education bosses at Inverclyde Council say the proposals are only expected to affect a small number of pupils across the area.

The proposed changes have come about because of a move away from a ‘street list’ to a new online mapping system being developed by the council.

It means the catchment areas for some addresses could change.

Before any decision is taken, a six week consultation has been launched to ascertain the views of parents.

Inverclyde Council’s education convener, Councillor Jim Clocherty, urged residents and parents to have their say in the consultation.

He said: “Although this consultation doesn’t propose major changes to catchment areas and addresses minor anomalies highlighted by new technology, it is important that residents, parents and others with an interest who may be affected by this find out more and have their say.

“The council’s education service has already written to every address affected by this proposal to alert them to this. 

“The full consultation proposal, maps of the affected areas and a copy of the questionnaire are available online at the council website for anyone to view and download.”

The closing date for consultation responses is Tuesday February 20.

In addition, there will be public meetings where people can have their say.

These will be held on Wednesday February 7 in Notre Dame High School at 6.30pm and on Thursday February 8 in the Port Glasgow Community Campus at 6.30pm.