Threatened school is given a reprieve

REJIG OF PLANS IS SET TO ALLOW ‘VIBRANT’ PRIMARY TO REMAIN OPEN

AN Anglesey primary school is to be spared the axe as amended school organisation plans are presented to councillors.

Launched in February, the latest public consultation on the £16m reorganisation plans for Llangefni recommended a new school to replace the 69-pupil Ysgol Bodffordd and Ysgol Corn Hir, with the town’s Ysgol y Graig also expanded to welcome pupils from the 40-pupil Ysgol Talwrn.

But, following opposition from within and outside the council chamber, revamped plans look set to save Ysgol Bodffordd from closure while pushing on with a new primary in Llangefni.

Despite this, the closure of Ysgol Talwrn still being proposed, with the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee due to discuss the plans yesterday (Tuesday).

There have long been calls for a new school to replace the above-capacity Ysgol Corn Hir, with the building “not fit for purpose”.

Speaking earlier this year, Senedd Member Rhun ap Iorwerth described Corn Hir as “desperate” for a new building, claiming that the “overflowing” facility was causing pupils to “suffer”

He added: “However, the proposal for a new Corn Hir involves closing the village school at Bodffordd and accommodating them in the new building. is

“I don’t think that’s necessary.

“Bodffordd is a vibrant, full school.

“I’ve argued the case with the council to put on the table a plan to simply build a new Corn Hir, whilst recognising the important place Ysgol Gymuned Bodffordd has within its community.”

It had been proposed that the new “super school” in Llangefni should have the capacity to hold 330 pupils, with a site having been earmarked near the existing Ysgol Corn Hir on the junction. towards Rhostrehwfa.

It is unclear at this stage, however, if these plans will now be scaled down due to Ysgol Bodffordd’s pupils now unlikely to be transferred over.