During this last month James Evans MS and Fay Jones MP have visited three local schools in Brecon and Radnorshire under the threat of closure.
They have met with Cllr Iain Mcintosh at Cradoc Primary School who has campaigned fiercely for the school to be saved and rebuilt in Cradoc and they have spoken with pupils, parents and Governors at Llanfihangel Rhydithon CP School (Dolau) and Llanbedr Church in Wales School. Following an incredibly difficult 12 months, current Covid 19 restrictions prevent local communities from being able to discuss and scrutinise plans in detail.
Speaking on the Armed Forces Bill – and during Armed Forces Week – Miss Jones called on the Welsh Government and Powys County Council to take note of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant, which was established by the Conservative government in 2010, ensures that military personnel and veterans must not be disadvantaged as a result of their service. With education being included within the scope of the Covenant, Miss Jones argued that this weakened the case for closing schools with a number of military families, such as Llanbedr even weaker.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Jones said: “This Bill compels public bodies to have due regard to the Covenant. At present, Powys County Council is proposing to close Llanbedr school, which is a thriving primary school in my constituency. Along with my colleague in the Welsh Parliament, James Evans, I am deeply opposed to the closure of the school. One reason behind our opposition is that a number of military families will once again find themselves displaced. A mum I spoke to at Llanbedr, whose partner serves at Brecon Barracks, will have to move her three children for the third time. This is unacceptable.”
Ms Jones & Mr Evans are extremely concerned that local communities do not feel involved in the decision making process. They have written to the the Transforming Education Team at Powys County Council asking for the local authority to listen to local residents and take their views into account before any decision is finalised.