Bus ad backs bid to save school CAMPAIGN FOR VILLAGE PRIMARIES STEPPED UP
THE drive to save an Anglesey school from closure has moved up a gear by placing an advert on a local bus.
Ysgol Henblas, in Llangristiolus, is one of three schools in central Anglesey that could close if the authority forges ahead with plans for a new multi-million pound superschool in the Llangefni area.
But determined to spread the message, campaigners have now taken out an advert on a local public bus.
Henblas is one of three schools in the area, with Ysgol Bodffordd and Ysgol Corn Hir, that could be closed and replaced with a 450 capacity facility, costing around £10m and potentially situated in Llangefni or Rhostrehwfa.
Rhys Parry, chair of Ysgol Henblas’ board of governors, said: “We were keen to get our message heard.
“This advert certainly grabs people’s attention!”
As well as the bus campaign, the parents have produced T-shirts and hoodies with the help of local clothing company Cranc.
Mr Parry added, “This is a community-wide drive to keep Ysgol Henblas open. We have just appointed an enthusiastic new head, and our pupil numbers are high.
“This is no small rural school.
“In terms of the Welsh language, we have a higher proportion than the Anglesey average of Welsh speaking families here and Henblas has always had one of the most active Urdd groups on the island.
“Again this year we have reached the National Urdd Eisteddfod with the school choir.”
The community of Bodffordd has also been active in efforts to save its school, with an online petition gaining over 500 signatures.
Llinos Roberts, said: “As the name suggests, Ysgol Gymuned Bodffordd is definitely a community school.
“Most of the children can walk to school in the morning and skip home in the afternoon.
“The children breathe life into the village and the villagers support all school activities.
“What would happen to all the societies that use Y Ganolfan if the school closed? What would happen to the buzzing Cylch Meithrin?”
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has also been critical of the council, accusing it of “rushing” the closure of schools on the island – a view dismissed by the authority.
A spokesman said, “The county council is committed to consulting on its plans to ensure the best use of resources to provide a sufficient number of school places and promote education of the highest standards in the Llangefni area and every part of the island.”
The findings of the public consultation, which closed on April 3, are expected to be discussed by Anglesey Council’s Executive on April 30.