PUSH FOR A REVIEW OF SCHOOL PLANS

10 September 2005

Parent power is likely to force a review of plans for a new Welsh school in the city. Swansea Council leaders have agreed to push forward plans to close Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwynderw and build a new school in West Cross.

However, local residents and parents at Grange Primary School and St David's Roman Catholic School are planning to officially object to the plans.

That means the final decision will have to go before Assembly Education Minister Jane Davidson.

The new school is planned at a site next to Grange School and pupils will share the playing field.

There have already been a number of meetings against the proposals as part of a council-run consultation process.

West Cross councillor Mark Child said objections were a certainty now that a two-month statutory notice period has opened.

He said: "I'm sure parents and residents will be objecting. I am certainly going to put in an objection and I'm pretty sure Councillor Des Thomas will also object.

"We want to know the reasons behind the council's decision. We have consistently asked to see documents about what other options have been rejected and why they feel this is the best option.

"They have refused to give us those documents, even under the Freedom of Information Act.

"We do not believe it is right that we have to object against something without knowing the full facts.

"The traffic created by a new school is an issue for both residents and parents and staff at Grange School and St David's."

A single objection during the two-month statutory notice period will mean the final decision is handed to the Assembly.

If the plans go ahead, the council will also need to find a new site for West Cross children's home.

West Cross Lane was recently identified by a Swansea Council report as being one of the most dangerous areas in the city and residents fear that it will only get worse.

Jacqueline Coates, chairwoman of Grange School's board of governors, said: "We are primarily concerned with the increased traffic flow around the school.

"Already there are parking problems and we have not seen any way that it will be improved by putting a new school on the site.

"West Cross Lane is already the 24th most dangerous road in Swansea."

At present we have 186 children. If the new school is built, it will mean another 480 will be on the site."Cabinet member for education Mike Day said the scheme is important for the future of Welsh education in the city.

He said: "This would be a major investment by the council in the future of Welsh-medium education in the city.