LLANGATWG SUPER-SCHOOL OR NOT?

June 23, 2021June 23, 20213 years ago 4 min read

There is confusion in the communities of Tonna, Cadoxton and Cilfrew. Last week, the local councillors voted to close 3 schools in Pontardawe. All three schools are similar in age to the schools within their own communities. As well as similar in size, ESTYN reports and pretty much everything else.

This led many (including us) to assume that the councillors would want the same type of school within their own constituency. However, on social media we understand that Cllr Leanne Jones, Cllr Anette Wingrave and Cllr Doreen Jones have all distanced themselves from a Llangatwg Super School.

What is going on?

School closures are unpopular with some residents. They also take time. It could be that the Labour councillors do not want to say too much before something more concrete is set. There is also a council election next year and although they all enjoy safe seats, they could have half an eye on ensuring they do not rock the boat too much before then. It does seem odd to think one option is best for one area but not the other. When the similarities are so striking.

Which is it?

The denial was met with scepticism from Sarah Jones from Save Our Schools. The Group are campaigning to save local Primary schools within Neath Port Talbot.

“Either they want to close these types of schools, or they don’t. They can’t vote to close 3 schools in Pontardawe one week and then wait until they are re-elected to do the same in their own area.”

“Let them come out and say it first. What is their view on schools? I have a simple question for all 3 (councillors); Have medium, independent schools like Alltwen and Tonnau had their day?”

“If they genuinely believe that they have then they should come out and say so. I would respect that. I would disagree with them, but I would respect the honesty. What they are doing is underhand.”

“I Pity them”

The final vote on the school closures in Pontardawe is next month and Sarah is still hopeful of a change in direction. “We know things change but we just want to be listened to. A compromise would at least be something. The whole community voted against the school. Every elected councillor in the Swansea Valley who could object, did object.”

“It is councillors like these 3 who voted to close them. If they want to close schools in Pontardawe, against the wishes of the people and councillors of Pontadawe then the very least that they can do is want the same in their own area. For their own children.”

“I still hope that some of these 15 councillors will realise that they have to live with themselves and this decision. They have to look themselves in the eye and ask ‘why did I vote like that?’ If the answer is ‘because it is the best thing for the community’ then they should be proud and push for it in every community. Including theirs. If the answer is because the Labour leadership told them to then I pity them”.

Llangatwg Super-school

Earlier in the week we looked at the prospect of a Llangatwg super school. You can see details of it here as well as maintenance costs here