Work planned for 14 schools
FOURTEEN schools across the Cynon Valley will see big improvements over the summer holidays, with projects ranging from new roofs to new coffee shops.
THIRTEEN schools across the Cynon Valley will see big improvements over the summer holidays as the council gets to work on its education programme.
The work will mean a total of 21 projects across the schools, including new roofs, toilet and kitchen refurbishment, window and door replacements and fire alarm upgrades.
Mountain Ash Comprehensive School will see one of the biggest improvement projects, with a replacement flat roof costing £200,000.
Other works include the remodelling of the kitchen to baguette bar/ Coffee Shop at the same school, as well as replacement mansard windows.
Ysgol Abercynon will also see a replacement flat roof costing £50,000, with repairs to Cwmbach Primary School’s roof set to cost £130,000.
Cwmdar Primary School will see the creation of a new foundation phase area, as well as an external redecoration of the school, costing £70,000.
The works are among 82 projects in 68 Rhondda Cynon Taf schools, and will cost the council a total of £7.9m, which has been allocated in the local authority’s 2017/18 budget.
Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “This council is committed to providing our young people with educational facilities which will help offer them the best-possible opportunities, which is evident in our 21st Century Schools Programme across the county borough.
“The 82 projects will take place in our schools during the summer holidays, and they range from the renewal of roofs, toilets and kitchens, to classrooms being improved to 21st Century standards, and windows being replaced.”
It comes after last Thursday’s cabinet meeting, when councillors discussed the programme of works, after full council had agreed a £7.9m allocation on March 1.
The programme has been divided into categories considered a priority, and investment areas include Schools Investment Programme of £2m, roof renewal, £1.7m, and essential works - £0.495m.
The other largest single investments across RCT are another replacement roof for the main block at Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School in Beddau, costing £400,000, and a replacement pitched roof at Cymmer Junior School, costing £185,000.
Coun Hanagan added: “With the council finding an additional £2.173m for its schools in the 2017/18 budget, it further demonstrates our commitment to investing in our young people during times of austerity.”