Plans to close two small primary schools could be delayed by 12 months, if recommendations put forward are accepted by Powys County Council’s new Cabinet.
Llanbedr and Llanfihangel Rhydithon primary schools were due to close at the end of August. However, the council’s Cabinet has decided to revisit the proposals.
Cabinet will be asked to delay implementation of the proposal to close Llanbedr Church in Wales School for 12 months to 31 August 2023 and to start a review of all schools in the Crickhowell catchment area.
Cabinet will also be asked to delay implementation of the proposal to close Llanfihangel Rhydithon C.P School for 12 months to 31 August 2023. It is also being recommended that the council identify steps it could take to mitigate the impact of the closure on the community and to explore the viability of establishing a Welsh-medium primary school at Llanfihangel Rhydithon.
Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “The new Cabinet has decided to revisit the proposals to close these two schools as we need to carefully consider the wider implications if the proposals are implemented.
“The Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code does allow the council to delay proposals and I will be recommending to Cabinet that we delay the implementation of both closure proposals to 31 August 2023.
“Delaying the closure of Llanbedr Church in Wales School would allow for an area review of the Crickhowell catchment to take place so that a preferred way forward for the whole catchment is identified. If this is approved by Cabinet, a further paper outlining the proposed way forward will be brought to a future Cabinet meeting.
“If the delay of Llanfihangel Rhydithon C.P School is approved by Cabinet, it will allow the council identify steps it could take to mitigate the impact of the close on the community – this could potentially include the transfer of the school to the community for their use. The delay would also provide an opportunity to explore the viability of establishing a Welsh-medium primary school in Dolau, as suggested by the previous Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee.”
Cabinet will be considering the proposals on Tuesday, July 5. They will also be considered by the Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, June 29.
