The mass closure of primary schools across the Powys region is “all but inevitable”, according to Powys Assembly Member Glyn Davies.

Glyn Davies, Welsh Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales, fears the county’s inadequate financial settlement from the Welsh Assembly will have a disastrous effect on its education system.

He is predicting every primary school of less than 30 pupils or that is more than 40 per cent under-used will be proposed for closure.

Mr Davies said he was speaking against the background of the debate over the Assembly’s budget and its funding for education.

Mr Davies said today: “I warned last year Powys County Council was intent on closing ‘up to 40′ primary schools – and I have no reason whatsoever to change my prediction.

“The continuing financial squeeze being put on the council by the Assembly Government, together with its recently-adopted school reorganisation policy make mass closure of primary schools all but inevitable.

“I am sure both the council and the Assembly Government would prefer to delay closure proposals until after the Assembly election next May – but I understand a decision has been taken that the financial pressure on the council is too great.

“I would be extremely surprised if there is not an announcement about the first tranche of closures before Christmas.”

Phil Robson, county council executive director for people, said: “Powys, like other authorities in Wales, is facing changing circumstances, falling school rolls and budget pressures. However, it is committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for its youngsters.”