"New school could be good news for sport" - councillor

Fears that sports facilities will be lost when Welshpool gets two new schools have been quelled by a county councillor.

After being contacted by several concerned parties Councillor Graham Breeze says he hopes sports organisations will benefit from the building of a new super school on the playing fields at Welshpool High School with the possible provision of a new 3G pitch.

Powys County Council has agreed to build a new 360-place English language school on the High School’s Salop Road playing fields along with a new 150-place Welsh language school on the current Maesydre School site sparking a social media frenzy about lost facilities.

The new schools will replace the current Ardwyn Nursery and Infant School, Gungrog Church in Wales Nursery and Infant School, Oldford Nursery and Infant School, and Maesydre School.

Councillor Breeze said he had been assured that the authority was keen to mitigate against this loss by providing alternative sports facilities.

“There is talk of a 3G pitch which could be used all year round,” he said.  “This would be a fantastic facility for the schools and local sports clubs.

“I am informed that initial discussions have taken place with the FA of Wales and other sports governing bodies about whether they are interested in working with the authority to support this, and the design contract winner will be expected to include provision for sports facilities in the plans.

“The plans have gone out to tender and once awarded the design stage will start.

“I will be encouraging the council to engage fully with the schools and the community to ensure that there is no loss of sports facilities. Welshpool already lags well behind other towns in that department.

“The authority is fully aware that there would be an impact from losing this facility, not only on the High School but also to the community and Welshpool Town Junior Football club in particular, as the pitches are used for matches and training.”

The councillor said he had received assurances that a meeting would be held with the schools, football club and any other concerned parties soon after the half term break.