Rural schools are the beating heart of rural communities, such as Llanddoged, Ysbyty Ifan, Capel Garmon, Penmachno, Betws-y-Coed, Dolwyddelan, Dolgarrog, Henryd, and Eglwysbach.
For both past and present pupils attending such schools it creates a strong sense of pride, not only of being part of the school but of being part of close-knit local communities.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, strongly opposes the proposal by Councillor Paul Luckock to close rural schools, in an attempt to save money.
Commenting on the proposal, Janet said:
“This proposal is absolutely shocking, and if implemented can only harm our rural communities. We cannot allow that to happen.
“While rural schools are often smaller, every student has the opportunity to take part in all activities, ranging from sports to singing. The benefit of that to their skills development is unquestionable.
“The proposed closure of rural schools will also primarily hit Welsh language communities the hardest. This is completely contrary to the target of achieving 1 million speakers by 2050.
“Teachers and school governing bodies are working extremely hard to keep their centres of education going and do not need additional pressure with extremely distressing suggestions such as this.
“Rural schools must stay open, and the Welsh Government should provide the additional funding required to the Local Authority to enable that. For quarter of a century Welsh Labour propped up by Plaid Cymru has underfunded our Authority with an inappropriate funding formula. That has to change!”
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
