MP's petition move over Mid Wales school axe bid

Glyn Davies, Montgomeryshire MP, has hit out at Powys County Council's plans to review secondary education provision.

He said: "They are replacing teachers with bus drivers. I think it is a huge short-term mistake.

"I am going to start a petition to get people engaged with it because it is clear they are rushing this through before people have had a chance to consider it.

"They want to avoid a period of discussion with the people that are affected and it is a decision that will destroy the cultural heart of our communities."

The council says it will name those schools it intends to close in March.

Powys has secondary schools in Newtown (along with the John Beddoes Campus in Presteigne), Llanfyllin, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Gwernyfed, Crickhowell, Brecon and Ystradgynlais.

Mr Davies also warned that the council would not be able to hide behind consultants Price Waterhouse Cooper, commissioned to review the county's schools, when it comes to making decisions.

Russell George, Montgomeryshire Assembly Member also announced his intention to oppose any plans to close schools.

He said: "Our high schools and their sixth-forms are an integral part of our communities. The decision of the council's cabinet this week is effectively starting a process that will lead to proposals to close specific high schools.

"I don't believe that this is the right decision to take and I will stand alongside communities to help defend our high schools and their sixth-forms."

Mr George also called on the council to announce which schools would be facing closure as soon as possible.

He said: "The council's decision is based on a report compiled by consultants, questions need to be clarified about what criteria the council set for the consultants. "

Reacting to Mr Davies's comments, Arwel Jones, council cabinet member for education, insisted the review would not be rushed.

He said: "The review provided us with clear evidence that we need to reduce the number of secondary schools, sixth-forms and change the way we deliver Welsh medium education to make the most of our resources.

"We will now develop more detailed plans for individual proposals which will set out our plans for the future of secondary provision in the county."

He added interested parties would have "ample opportunity" to express their views.