‘Milestone’ for school plan

PLANS for a multi-million pound school to be built in the Cynon Valley have been given the go-ahead in what is being described as a “major milestone” for Cwmaman.

PLANS for a multi-million pound school to be built in the Cynon Valley have been given the goahead in what is being described as a “major milestone”.

It means work on the £7.2m community primary school, which will merge the existing Glynhafod Junior and Cwmaman Infant Schools, is to begin this month.

The two current schools are on separate sites around half a mile apart, but they will now come together creating a school for 240 primary school pupils, plus a nursery.

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “This is a major milestone for this significant project.

“Not only will the new community primary school provide a purpose-built 21st century environment for pupils to learn in, but it will also bring two schools on separate sites together – making it easier for the parents with children at both schools.”

It comes after plans were given the go-ahead by Rhondda Cynon Taf’s development control committee last week.

The new school will include a multi-use games area (MUGA), staff car park, service yard, grass pitches and a variety of external pupil spaces and external works.

Work will also include diverting an existing drainage culvert, demolishing a paddling pool and relocating a children’s play area.

It will also have a dedicated room to be used by community groups while keeping the administrative and teaching space secure.

Coun Hanagan added: “The council is committed to providing first-class educational facilities for our young people, and has already invested significantly in the Cynon Valley – with new schools for Cwmbach, Abercynon and Ynysboeth as well as the £50m education and leisure complex which incorporates Aberdare Community School.

“The wider community is also set to benefit with a new children’s play area, a community room and flood alleviation works taking place as part of the development.”

Building works on the new Cwmaman community school will start this month, with the school opening its doors to pupils in August 2018.