The future of dozens of primary schools across Powys will be decided within the next two years, it was revealed by the local authority today.

More than 47 schools across the region will be reviewed before the end of 2012 by Powys County Council, the local education authority, as part of its review of primary education across the region, which could see some schools close.

A review into eight schools in Llanidloes and Machynlleth started a few weeks ago and 13 schools in the Welshpool area will face a review from next year.

Twenty-six schools in the John Beddoes catchment area around Presteigne, the Gwernyfed catchment including schools in Brecon, and the Maesydderwen catchment including the Ystradgynlais area, are already being looked at.

John Evans, communications manager for Powys County Council, said Welsh-medium primary schools would also be reviewed before 2012 including Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd in Newtown.

He said councillors had already given the go-ahead to close 10 primary schools and build four new schools in the Maesydderwen catchment area.

“Formal closure notices have also now been issued for the 10 existing primary schools,” he added.

“The review in the Gwernyfed and the John Beddoes catchment areas is still ongoing and the Llanidloes and Machynlleth catchment areas have just started being looked at.”

Councillor David Jones said: “The council is looking at ambitious plans that will see at least £125 million invested in schools over the next decade. We want the right schools, in the right locations and make sure our children have access to the highest possible education facilities.”