Tories at odds over school plan (thisissouthwales.co.uk)

TORIES AT ODDS OVER SCHOOL PLAN
18:00 - 08 September 2005

A Tory split has appeared in Llanelli over plans to revamp Carmarthenshire schools. Conservative town councillor John Jenkins has defended Carmarthenshire Council's £110 million Modernising Education Provision (MEP) plan after the party's Assembly leader Nick Bourne appeared to throw Tory weight against the plan.

The MEP proposes investment in existing schools as well as the closure of a number of schools.

Commenting on news that the Farmers' Union of Wales had joined forces with other major organisations in the campaign against the plan, Mr Bourne said: "I very much welcome the formation of this grouping to campaign against the closure of small schools in Carmarthenshire."

As a governor of Llanelli's Old Road primary school, which stands to benefit from the MEP to the tune of £500,000, and Bryngwyn, with its £1m in the pipeline, Elli ward councillor Mr Jenkins supports the plan.

He said: "I believe the MEP is the right thing to do. I've made the party aware of my views and Mr Bourne's office were understanding.

"I campaigned with Nick in 1997 against the introduction of the Welsh Assembly and get on well with him so don't expect any lasting feud. It's a minor irritation but I'm doing what I think is right."