Newtown's new Welsh language primary will open in new year

Powys County Council said the new school will open after the Christmas holidays as a direct replacement for the town's current Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd.

Workers were visited at the site by First Minister of Wales Carywn Jones, who agreed to provide £3.9 million funding when the school was in the planning stage.

The new school will be located next to the high school on Dolfor Road. Construction began in January.

Concillor Arwel Jones, cabinet member for schools, said: "I am delighted that the First Minister has been able to visit the site and see the tremendous progress that has been made since work started in January."

"It is very apt in the year that the county hosted the National Eisteddfod in Meifod that this 300-pupil Welsh-medium which will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the Welsh language in the county is making such excellent progress and nearing completion.

"I would be delighted if the First Minister could return for the school's official opening in 2016."

The First Minister added: "It's great to see the good progress being made on Newtown's new Welsh Medium school.

"We've provided nearly £3.9 million towards this project and I'm sure, when completed, it'll be a fantastic learning environment for young people in the area."

The school will be home to 300 pupils, who will transfer from Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd and other schools.

Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM and a Newtown county councillor, added: "It is a great step for the town and Welsh medium education in the area.

"Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd has been a hugely popular school and there is a real need for a Welsh language school which can accommodate all of the pupils who wish to attend."