Powys Council should stand firm over Welshpool education proposals according to RhAG - the national organisation which represents and supports parents who want their children to be educated in Welsh
The organisation says Powys County Council should safeguard their long term investment plans in Welsh medium primary education provision in Welshpool and has written to Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, the cabinet Member for Education, expressing this view.
This comes after the organisation was made aware that an anonymous application has been submitted to Cadw, asking them to place a listed building status on Ysgol Maesydre, Welshpool and that Powys County Council has until January 2 to respond.specific architect and due to its 'architectural style'.
Ceri McEvoy, Director of Development of RhAG, said: "We have written to the Cabinet Member for Education to express our genuine concern about these recent reports, which suggests that there are serious risks to the plans for long-term investment in Welsh medium primary education provision in Welshpool.
"As one of the sites earmarked for the redevelopment of primary school provision in the Welshpool area, the site is of great significance in terms of delivering the wider plan. The demolition of the old Maesydre School is an essential part of the development and means that Welshpool's first Welsh-medium school will be permanently housed in a purpose-built building with first-class resources.
"It seems to us that this is a clear attempt to undermine the Council's efforts to deliver major investment in education provision in the town; proposals that have received the consent and support of parents, Powys
County Council and the Welsh Government.
"The opening of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng in September was an historic milestone in the development of Welsh-medium education in Powys. This was a direct response to the Welsh Government's national policy to expand the provision of Welsh medium education and an important contribution to increasing the number of speakers to a million by 2050.
"We ask the Council to give assurances that they will present a strong case gainst this application and declare a clear intention to proceed with the proposed plans as they stand.
"This is an exciting opportunity for Welshpool, and we hope that this investment can continue for the benefit of everyone in the town."
