A row over pensions is set to cause widespread disruption in the Welshpool area next Wednesday, with schools expected to close and rubbish collection unlikely to happen.
The action, over proposed reforms of the Local Government Pension scheme, could affect a wide range of services across the county, but the closure of local schools has particularly frustrated parents.
A letter was sent home with Welshpool High School pupils to inform parents of the impending closure, with headmaster Mr. Jim Toal explaining that “Students should use the time as productively as possible” but one Guilsfield high school student has already told mywelshpool “we’re off Christmas shopping!”.
Mr. Toal added in the letter that “I cannot ask staff to set them (students) extra work as this is not allowed under the rules surrounding industrial action”.
This in particular appears to have upset parents that mywelshpool spoke to.
“While I have sympathy and understand the reasons for the strike, I will have to take a day of work to look after my daughter which is a real pain,” said one. “And more annoying is the fact that she won’t have any school work to do at home so she will probably just watch television all day and go on Facebook.”
Llanfyllin High School and Primary School have also confirmed they will close and others are expected to follow suit. Parents are advised to check.
Other service disruptions are anticipated but the reception at Neuadd Maldwyn will remain open and all public service phone lines will be operational but with limited staffing levels, so delays are envisaged.
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “It is difficult to predict the full impact of the action on our services but it is inevitable that there will be some difficulties. We apologise for any disruption and hope residents understand that action is part of a national campaign.
“The council will try and retain a normal rubbish and recycling collection service where possible. If your normal collection day falls on Wednesday, please put out your rubbish as normal. If it is not collected, please put out again on the following day (Thursday).”