Roger and Kirsty say no to School Closures

6.00.00pm GMT Wed 20th Jan 2010

Brecon & Radnorshire's MP, Roger Williams, and AM Kirsty Williams have both made it clear that they will oppose any attempt by Powys County Council to close any of its secondary schools, following recent shock revelations that internal council papers floated the idea of closing up to seven schools in the county.

Roger Williams, Brecon and Radnorshire's MP said: "The leaking of a draft document looking at all options, but which had not even been seen by Council Members, and its use for political purposes to scare parents and children about the future of their education was very irresponsible."

"It is vital that the Council plans the future of education and training to provide the best possible learning opportunities for all. But I do not believe that any secondary school closures are necessary or desirable to achieve this aim. Better use needs to be made of the school facilities we have got, with more use by adult learners and the wider community. We also need much closer co-operation between the County Council and Coleg Powys to jointly deliver learning and reduce bureaucracy and costs."

"But it's an emphatic NO to school closures from me."

Kirsty Williams, Brecon and Radnorshire's Assembly Member and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "The Plaid Cymru/Labour Administration in Cardiff Bay has badly short changed the Council, and this plus falling roll numbers means that Powys County Council will have to look at new and innovative solutions to deliver a top class education for our children. This does not need to include closing secondary schools across the County and the leaked draft document was drawn up by officers of the Council without prior consultation with the Liberal Democrat / Independent administration. Let me be very clear on this, both Roger and I will vow to fight any plans that include the closure of these secondary schools, and I say that not only as an Assembly Member, but as a mother whose children's education will be directly affected by this.

Notes

Diwedd/Ends