03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

CEREDIGION council wants to hear your views on a plan for a new area school for the Aeron Valley.

Cabinet gave its approval to the launch of a statutory consultation on building a new school on a new site in the Aeron Valley – for the pupils of three smaller schools.

Council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn said at the meeting on June 4: “This is an exciting opportunity, money is available for a new school in the centre of the county.”

Local members Cllrs Lynford Thomas and Marc Davies asked for more information of where the new school could be built with opposition in the community to using the current Felinfach education centre site.

Barry Rees, corporate director, said sites had been looked at, with a focus away from the Felinfach site, but it was “not appropriate” to discuss a site at the consultation stage.

Ciliau Parc Community Primary School, Dihewyd Community Primary School and Felinfach Community Primary School will be closed with Cilcennin Community School already due to close at the end of this term following a council vote on May 24.

The new school will be suitable for 210 pupils aged three to 11, Welsh medium, with the introduction of nursery places for around 60 children and community provision.

Concerns raised include increased travel times for some pupils, disruption to children and the loss of facilities from villages.

Welsh Government 21st Century School funding of up to £7million is potentially available for building a new school.

Cllr Davies, who had opposed the closure of Cilcennin School, added: “Who’s going to turn their back on £7million? I would just like to echo the desire to move on with this process as soon as possible.”

Alternative options are included in the consultation including maintaining the status quo, federation or a multi-site school and two suggested by stakeholders which includes closing two of the identified schools.

“We want the best facilities for the children of Ceredigion. If we can take advantage of what’s on offer it will be good for the future of education,” added Cllr ap Gwynn.

The consultation was approved and will start tomorrow, June 5, with the final decision on the new school to be taken by full council.

Visit ceredigion.gov.uk to find out more.

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