SCOTTISH councillors have been accused of dividing communities faced with primary school closures.

East Dunbartonshire Council is considering a shake-up of its primary school estate, which could see some schools closed.

The council argues the moves are important to tackle falling rolls and ageing buildings. But parents from across the council area have been protesting about the plan.

Families were expecting the closures to be discussed at a meeting of the council next week but yesterday, LibDem councillors said they would no longer support proposals to close Bearsden Primary School.

Now parents from other schools have attacked the move. Niall Campbell, a parent from Baldernock Primary, north of Glasgow, said: "This is a disgrace. We are pleased for the Bearsden parents, but this should not have come out in this way."

In a letter to The Herald, Jan Mackay, another parent from Baldernock, added: "The council is forcing communities to choose between schools and politicians are homing in on votes."

David Bauld, a parent from Gartconner Primary, in Kirkintilloch, said: "This is great news for Bearsden parents, but a disgrace for the LibDems. They have jumped the gun."

The move to close Bearsden had gained high profile opposition from former pupil Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, who sent two of her children to the school.

It is believed the party's unpopularity, combined with the proposals, was a threat to local LibDem MP Jo Swinson, who has spoken out against the closures.

Vaughan Moody, LibDem councillor for Bearsden South, told constituents in a letter: "My colleagues and I have listened to what residents have told us... The great majority made it very clear that the school should remain where it is."