RIVAL PARTIES CLASH OVER SCHOOL CLOSURES CLAIMS

18 July 2005

A row has broken out between rival parties after a Labour leaflet criticised the current council's handling of school closures in Swansea. West Cross Labour councillors Des Thomas and Mark Child say in a party leaflet that Dylan Thomas Community School is being sold to raise money to reopen the city's leisure centre.

The leaflet also says that Cockett School was chosen above Bishop Gore because it is in a Labour-supported ward.But Lib-Dem councillor Rene Kinzett has hit back.

He said: "The people of West Cross are not being well served by councillors who think nothing of sending out leaflets which seek to twist the truth and make outright lies in the vain hope of attracting more votes.

"It says we are selling schools to fund the leisure centre refurbishment."We all know the capital budget for reopening the leisure centre is totally ring-fenced and not dependent on any extra income sources.

"They also say the school reorganisation plan is politically motivated.

"That is a scandalous and deeply irresponsible accusation.

"The statutory consultation exercise is ongoing and the recommendations arise from the professional advice given to councillors by officers - the same ones who used to advise Labour when they closed Dynevor School and Penlan School."

Councillor Des Thomas said he was standing by his remarks.