DYLAN THOMAS DATA IS BLOCKED

21 July 2005

Education bosses in Swansea have blocked an attempt to try to get key information into the closure of Dylan Thomas School made public, it was revealed today. Chairman of the school's governing committee Dereck Roberts had lodged a Freedom of Information request with Swansea Council.

Under the terms of the new Act he hoped to find out exactly why Dylan Thomas Community School in Cockett has been earmarked for possible controversial closure.

But the attempt was thwarted when council bosses decreed that most of the information into the decision - which is currently under public consultation - is exempt from release.

Mike Jones, the education department's freedom of information officer, claimed the documents could "prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs".

He said in a letter to them: "The proposal to close Dylan Thomas School is still a matter which is currently under consideration."Releasing the information could have an effect on the current deliberations and could prejudice the decision-making process."

Mr Roberts had identified for disclosure all notes made in briefing meetings, background papers and minutes of meetings into the proposed closure of the school.

He was hoping to uncover what alternatives to the closure of Dylan Thomas had been discussed by councillors behind closed doors.

"This information has never been made public and could show how the decision was made to close our school," he said. "It is very important to us."

Mr Roberts has led the fight to save Dylan Thomas and following the council's refusal said he will challenge the decision and take it to Information Commissioner for Wales.

"On two of the points made by the council I don't have a problem but I do believe that the alternatives discussed need to be made public to inform the debate.

"This is a classic example of information being withheld from the public and it is wrong. When the decision was discussed I believe a series of options should have been presented."

A Swansea Council spokeswoman said today: "The council has responded by letter outlining the reasons why the information requested is exempt under the Freedom of Information Act.

"However, we have also clearly outlined the procedures for appealing against this decision."