£7.2 funding is agreed for new school

THE funding for Cwmaman’s new £7.2m community primary school has been agreed by the council.

The state-of-the-art new building – which will be built at the village’s old colliery site at Glanaman Road – will replace Glynhafod Junior and Cwmaman Infants’ schools in August 2018, with pupils using the new facilities by September that year.

Work on the site could start in a matter of months, and Rhondda Cynon Taff’s councillors have agreed the funding for the project at a recent meeting.

The school will be half-funded – a little over £3.6m – by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme, while the local authority’s half would come from council borrowing.

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, RCT cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “The approval of funding is the latest milestone in the development of an exciting new school for Cwmaman.

“The new school will see young people aged three to 11 educated on one site in a school fit for the 21st century.

“A primary school on one site will also make it easier for parents and carers who have children at both the current separate infant and junior schools.

“Through engagement with the local community, parents, pupils and staff, we know the significant investment in a new school for Cwmaman is welcomed – and that the plans for both the school and the wider community, such as the new play area, community room and flood alleviation works, have been well received.”

The council’s consultation with local residents ended on December 22, ahead of full planning permission being sought.