Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Senedd for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, has raised deep concerns that the Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, Councillor Julie Fallon, is not taking action to prevent the closure of Ysgol Betws-y-Coed.
In response to a letter from Janet objecting to the closure due to the significant impact it will have on the children and the local community, and calling on the Council Leader to take immediate action to prevent the closure of Ysgol Betws-y-Coed, the Council Leader commented:
“I will not be taking action against the decision that we have taken as a Cabinet. The cost per pupil is the second highest in the whole of Wales and is unsustainable. Education will work with families to ensure their transition, when the time comes, will be as smooth as possible.”
Janet commented:
“I am extremely disappointed and concerned that the Council Leader will not take action to prevent the closure of Ysgol Betws-y-Coed. This will be devastating for our community and for the children, who will face changes to their routine and support network, as well as up to half an hour's travel to school.
“This is especially concerning given that over £700,000 has been spent on improving the school, including the canteen, windows and plumbing. As a result, it is now one of the best-maintained school buildings in the area.
“On many occasions, I have spoken about the devastating impact that the closure of our rural schools has on our communities, pupils and the Welsh language. I urge the Council Leader and Conwy County Borough Council's Cabinet to reconsider and reverse this decision.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
