Rethink call over school closure plan

PROPOSALS that could result in the closure of three schools have been backed by senior leaders in Carmarthenshire.

- RICHARD YOULE

Cabinet members agreed to publish a statutory notice to close Ysgol Llansteffan, Llansteffan, and start a formal consultation about Ysgol Y Fro, near Kidwelly, and Ysgol Meidrim, west of Carmarthen.

But a formal consultation about Ysgol Pontiets, Pontyates, is being delayed. People will be able to respond to the statutory notice and consultations for the three affected schools and any final decisions would be made by full council.

Councillors Meinir James and Jean Lewis, whose wards include Ysgol Y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim respectively, urged members to think again.

Cllr James said Ysgol Y Fro offered a unique Welsh experience for pupils who spoke the language in the school yard, and that parents have suggested it could become a “sub-school”, “hub” or “rural branch” in order to keep it open.

She said some parents would home-educate or send their children to dual stream or English-speaking schools if Ysgol Y Fro closed.