WE WON’T GIVE UP FIGHT

Schools plan sparks new campaign as council asks for opinion of parents

ACAMPAIGN has been launched to save two schools from closure – coinciding with a new consultation regarding their future.

Anglesey Council is consulting over plans to shut Ysgol Beaumaris or Ysgol Llangoed as part of its school reorganisation.

This is the second time it has carried out such a consultation in the area after putting earlier plans on hold to allow campaigners to come up with alternative proposals.

Both options now on the table would involve an extension and the refurbishment of Ysgol Llandegfan, but a decision will need to be made if Beaumaris or Llangoed will shut.

But campaigners have launched a joint campaign to keep both schools open, including an innovative plan that would see Ysgol Beaumaris share facilities with a multi-million pound extra- care housing facility for the elderly. The £8m project, which was approved by councillors in February, will see 39 selfcontained flats built just yards away from the town’s existing school.

But local councillors have pointed out that other parts of the island have enjoyed substantial investment, including £12m in the Holyhead and Llanfaethlu areas and £10m in Newborough, with plans also in the pipeline for a new school in Llangefni.

“We can’t just turn around and just say we want nothing to happen. We need to offer a way forward,” said Cllrs Carwyn Jones and Alun Roberts in a joint statement.

“The Seiriol ward also deserves investment in schools modernisation.”

Cllr Roberts added: “We can’t allow schools to be pitched against each other. This scenario of divide and rule is in noone’s benefit.”

The consultation will remain open until July 2. The full consultation documents are available at anglesey.gov.uk