AM urges rethink on school closures

AN AM has urged Anglesey Council to rethink its plans to shut two island schools.

A public consultation is already under way on £16m plans for a new school to replace Ysgol Bodffordd and Ysgol Corn Hir, with Ysgol y Graig in Llangefni expanded to welcome pupils from the existing Ysgol Talwrn.

But echoing concerns in both Talwrn and Bodffordd – who fear the loss of their respective schools – the island’s Plaid Cymru AM has appealed to the local authority to think again.

Rhun ap Iorwerth said shutting Bodffordd and Talwrn schools was “not necessary” to facilitate “desperately needed” facilities in Llangefni.

“We have a problem in the Llangefni area where Ysgol Corn Hir is desperate for a new school building,” he said. “It’s overflowing, and pupils are suffering as a result. That new school needs to be delivered as soon as possible.

“However, the proposal for a new Corn Hir involves closing the village school at Bodffordd and accommodating them in the new building. I don’t think that’s necessary.

“Bodffordd is also a vibrant, full school. So in recent weeks, I’ve argued with the council to simply build a new Corn Hir, whilst recognising the important place Ysgol Gymuned Bodffordd has within its community.”

On the proposals to close Ysgol Talwrn and send its pupils to an expanded Ysgol y Graig, he added: “I’m a big supporter of the principle of multi-site rural schools, bringing a number of schools together under one leadership team, ensuring standards are upheld, whilst keeping schools in their communities.

“It’s not always the best answer, but it ought to be explored. This could apply to both Talwrn and Bodffordd.”

“This isn’t a fight between Bodffordd and Llangefni,” said Gareth Parry. “We accept the problems facing Corn Hir and back a new building there; they need it. But it needn’t mean you have to shut our school. This is an unfair offer.”

A spokesman for Anglesey Council said the authority could not comment as the consultation process is active.