Due to mistakes in the documents, the consultation period on the proposal to close Llanbedr Church in Wales (CIW) primary school in the Vale of Grwyney near Crickhowell, has been extended.
Upon close examination, it was found that that Powys County Council’s (PCC) consultation documents had inaccurate figures on the spaces available to take Llanbedr pupils at the nearest CIW primary school, in Llangattock.
PCC’s original consultation document stated that the capacity of Llangattock is 141 but this has now been changed to 121 in the documentation.
Powys County Councillor for Llanbedr, John Morris, challenged the cabinet member for education, Cllr Phyl Davies, to address the issue.
He also claims the true figure is 117, including 16 pre-school places.
Cllr Morris (Crickhowell – Liberal Democrat) said: “This type of serious flaw brings the whole consultation process into question.
“The ability of a potential alternative or receiving school to absorb the pupils from a school that is facing closure is a fundamental issue of importance.
“If the council cannot provide the correct figures, how can we have any confidence in the ability of the Council to carry out the process properly?
“Which of the other schools under threat have been subjected to similar errors?
“The fact that the nearest Church in Wales primary school clearly has much less capacity to accept the pupils from Llanbedr than was first indicated is a clear indication that the proposal to close Llanbedr is unsound and should be rejected.”
Cllr Jackie Charlton, (Liberal Democrat) who represents Llangattock, added: “Any increase in pupil numbers in Llangattock could impact on staffing, this has not been costed.
“The school capacity in the building has been reached, no mention of costing for extra classrooms and toilets.
“Added to that building starts later this year on 72 new houses in the Llanbedr catchment.
“No mention of this either.”
Education portfolio holder Cllr Phyl Davies, (Blaen Hafren – Conservative) admitted the error and that the consultation has been extended.
Cllr Davies said: “The consultation document on proposals affecting Llanbedr Church in Wales School, which was issued on April 21 contained an error in relation to the capacity of Llangattock Church in Wales School.
“The consultation document stated that the capacity of Llangattock Church in Wales School is 144. However, the school’s correct capacity is 121.
“An addendum to the consultation document has been published which outlines the correct information.
“The consultation period has also been extended and will now end on Wednesday, June 23.
“Stakeholders have been informed of the addendum and that the consultation period has been extended.”
In February, the Independent/Conservative cabinet took the decision to start the process of closing the school.
They aim to do this by the end of August 2022 with pupils transferring to their nearest alternative school.
It is thought closing the school could save the council £101,000 a year.
People can respond to the consultation in writing either by email to school.consultation@powys.gov.uk or via post at Transforming Education Team, Powys County Council, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5LG.
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