Consensus myth revealed (Press Release)

Cymdeithas yr Iaith released information today which completely refutes the assertion made by Meryl Gravell, leader of Carmarthenshire Council, that a political consensus exists concerning the controversial strategy to try to close all schools in the county with less than 50 children. In response to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, both Plaid Cymru and the Conservative Party say that they oppose the strategy.

Sioned Elin (Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire) says

"Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg welcomes these expressions of opposition. For the County Council to recommend the strategy at their meeting on December the 8th in the face of intense opposition would be a big mistake. We again challenge the County Council to initiate instead a 6-month period of consultation throughout the County in order to establish what the will of the people is, before making a decision. It is not good enough for them to say that they will consult on the details of specific closures – we need a discussion on the whole direction of their Strategy throughout the County.”

The Conservative Party’s standpoint

I do not support the strategy in Carmarthenshire, but we haven’t been able to have a discussion with the Council yet. The Conservative’s policy is to keep small rural schools open whenever possible. I have already asked a question in the welsh Assembly, but the Minister would not answer – as usual. A lot of water will run under the bridge before we get to the truth.

Glyn Davies (Regional AM – Mid and West Wales)

Plaid Cymru’s standpoint

Plaid Cymru opposes the new policy of the blanket closure of virtually all schools with less than 50 pupils and opposes the blighting of many larger schools with closure proposals. The education of our children must be central to all new policies. It must be recognised that Carmarthenshire has an excellent record of educational achievement and that this process is aided through close contact with the local community that the school serves. This contact can be lost with the closure of schools.

Therefore any proposals must be considered in the context of the community it serves and with the consent of that community. There should not be a one size fits all policy as put forward by the Labour/Independent administrations new Modernising Education Plan. Plaid is not saying NO to the closure of any schools at any time. But other options should be explored first. It is a matter of regret that the MEP ignores the option of federation, an arrangement that is working successfully in some parts of Carmarthenshire. If a school is recognised to be unsustainable, then structures and resources must be put in place to enable community regeneration.

Plaid Cymru recognises the need for additional resources and welcomes the additional proposed investment into our primary and secondary schools. However money should not be the driving force behind this new education plan. It is the quality of our education, the quality of life of the pupils and the quality of life of our communities that should be paramount.

Neil Baker (Plaid Cymru Group Leader CCC)