Concerns over new school wait

LLANELLI Town Council's new Independent-led administration has welcomed continued commitments towards delivering a new Ysgol Heol Goffa but says serious concerns remain over reports that the long-awaited school may not open until 2029 at the earliest.

- IAN LEWIS

Ysgol Heol Goffa, Llanelli, is set to be replaced by a new-build four miles away.

Councillors say confirmation that progress is continuing with the project will provide reassurance to many families who have campaigned tirelessly for a new specialist school.

However, they argue the proposed timescale remains deeply concerning given the length of time pupils, parents and staff have already waited.

A meeting of Carmarthenshire Council's education and young people scrutiny committee last week was told that the £35m new school is three years away from opening its doors - if all goes to plan.

It is seen as a vital investment in additional learning needs provision in Llanelli and the wider area.

The school is to be located by Ysgol Pen Rhos, nearly four miles from the current oversubscribed Heol Goffa site, and cater for 150 pupils aged three to 19 with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties.

There’s a formal process to go through and the new school will require Welsh Government backing.