Action will be taken over the quality of Welsh education on offer in secondary schools in parts of Powys after worried parents called for the issue to be looked at.

Now, following a report that pupils in the south of the county are failing to get the Welsh education they deserve, councillors in Powys have vowed to take action and called for more Welsh language lessons to be introduced at secondary schools.

Over the last few years parents have raised concerns over the lack of Welsh education.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Board yesterday Councillor David Jones, portfolio holder for schools and inclusion, said members must now look at ways to improve the provision in the Radnorshire and north Brecknockshire area of the county.

He said: “We have received growing calls from concerned parents, individuals and politicians over the lack of Welsh language provision at high schools in these areas.

“Up until last autumn the authority thought that this provision already existed. It all came to light after the council lost a transport appeal in respect of children whose parents elected to send their children to a Welsh language school out of the county because the level of Welsh education being provided in the south of the county wasn’t as good.”

Councillor Jones said a working group would now need to be set up top take forward the development of an enhanced Welsh medium provision which should be put in place as soon as possible. He said provision should be looked at in Brecon and Builth Wells high schools.

Councillors said they would need more details before agreeing to any recommendation.