Protest held to save four mid Wales primary schools

Ysgol Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn could be one of the four schools to close

Four primary schools in rural mid Wales could close because of low pupil numbers and budget cuts.

More than 150 people protested outside Ceredigion council's headquarters on Tuesday evening, as its cabinet agreed to hold a six-week consultation on the fates of Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Llangwyrfon and Syr John Rhys.

Campaigners said the schools are central to their communities in Borth, Llangwyryfon, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn and Ponterwyd.

If the proposal goes ahead, all four schools could close in August 2025.

'The impact is going to be huge'

Wyn Thomas, the council's cabinet member for schools, lifelong learning and skills, said "numbers, empty capacity, the schools' budget and the cost per pupil in terms of their education" were the main challenges they faced.

Parents argued some children would have to travel more than five miles to the nearest school if the closures go ahead.

They said the council has failed "to consider the negative side effects of increasing the distance travelled to school for children".

There could be a negative impact on the Welsh language, they added, as "Welsh is the language of the schoolyard" in some schools, whereas it is English in others.

Barry Powell, a governor and parent at Ysgol Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, said: "The impact is going to be huge, there is no turning back.

"Consultation is a way of putting correct points forward, but we feel today that there is already a stamp on the decision."

Lizzie Jones, a governor and parent at Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa, said: "We are very disappointed but we are going to save the school."