PRIMARY SCHOOLS CONCERN
Review into six central island schools sparks fear
PARENTS have raised fears over the future of six primary schools in central Anglesey, which are currently under review.
Anglesey Council’s non-statutory consultation is looking at Llangefni’s Y Graig and Corn Hir schools, as well as those in the outlying villages of Talwrn, Bodffordd, Llangristiolus and Gaerwen, all of which are Welsh medium.
According to the authority, it spends 12% more per primary pupil than the Welsh average, leading to fears this will mean some closures to balance the books.
This is despite empty spaces being at a premium, with only two spaces at Talwrn (96% full), eight at Bodffordd (87% full) and 18 at Ysgol Esceifiog, Gaerwen (85% full).
Some are fearful the review could lead to at least some schools being shut and/ or merged, a process that’s already underway in other parts of the island.
In January, work began on a £9m primary school in Holyhead, which will see Ysgol Llaingoch, Ysgol y Parc and Ysgol y Parch Thomas Elis closed.
While 10 miles away in Llanfaethlu, the construction of the new Ysgol y Llannau is also underway to replace those in Llanrhuddlad, Llanfachraeth and Llanfaethlu.
Public meetings were held in Talwrn and Bodffordd on Monday night, following a series of recent council drop-in sessions with the council’s consultation closing on Sunday.
One concerned parent said: “My children go to Ysgol Bodffordd so that they can attend a rural, Welsh school.
“My concern is they’re planning to shut the school and centralise everything around Llangefni.
“We understand that a parcel of land has already been earmarked in Rhostrehwfa, which is very concerning.”
In Talwrn, parents also held their own meeting over fears the village school could also shut, with the prospect local children could instead sent to an enlarged Ysgol y Graig - despite the Llangefni school only being built in 2009.
Anglesey Council say that no sites have yet been evaluated nor any decisions made, but some parents remain fearful.
Villagers have come together to collect a petition of 120 signatures to keep the school open.
Father of three, Tony McGuire Jones, said: “Closing the school would affect the whole village and village life.
“Here in Talwrn we have a thriving vil- lage hall and one of the few Eisteddfods left on the island, but closing the school could have a detrimental effect on everything.
“I’m concerned the council is only concerned about saving money and not what happens to the community.”
In response, a council spokesman said: “The aim of the consultation is to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their opinion on the options, receive a presentation and background on the various options and to offer comment on other options for us to consider.
“The option of an “area school” was proposed during one of the consultation meetings and we’re now evaluating this option before the statutory consultation, but the process of evaluating sites has not yet begun.”