DELIGHT AS DYLAN THOMAS IS SAVED

1 December 2005

Ecstatic parents who defeated plans to close their children's school say the fight is far from over. Staff, parents and pupils are still in shock over Swansea Council's U-turn on plans to shut Dylan Thomas Community School and merge it with Bishop Gore.

Education cabinet member Mike Day revealed yesterday that he is to recommend abandoning the plans because of concerns about disruption to pupils' education.

But weary parents said they will continue their battle to safeguard the future of the school and improve pupil numbers.

The school was earmarked for closure after claims by the council of falling numbers and a need to cut more than 1,000 surplus places across the city and county.

Sheila Lewis, parent-governor at the school, said: "We have still got to address the issue of falling rolls. Our argument has always been that we do not have falling rolls.

"The birth rate is not falling. All along we have said the council's numbers were distorted.

"There were so many flaws in these plans, they couldn't explain themselves.

"But we are not giving up the fight. We have to prove to them that our numbers aren't falling."

Mrs Lewis, who fought the plans even though her own sons Sydney, aged 14, and Stanley, aged 12, would leave before any changes took place, said there was a carnival atmosphere in the school since the news.

"Everyone is over the moon," she said.

Mark Gibbs, deputy head, said: "Elation and euphoria are everywhere - Christmas has come early. We always had a belief that we would win the fight.

"It is hammering down in Swansea but it is sunny in Cockett.

"The support we've had has been absolutely terrific.

"We always felt this was a successful school and the parents and children believe in it. For once, the right thing has actually happened.

"Swansea West AM Andrew Davies said: "The new decision made by the council to keep the school open is as a result of the hard work of the parents, governors, teachers and, most of all, the children of Dylan Thomas Community School.

"Conservative AM Alun Cairns, of South Wales West, had also backed the parents' fight.

He said: "My interest has always been the pupils, and to protect the fantastic culture where pupils with special needs are integrated fully with the other students.

"This change of heart is excellent news and the parents, teachers and pupils should be congratulated.

"Staff at Bishop Gore were yesterday also taking in the news. They are expected to comment formally tomorrow.

But parents said they believed the right choice had been made.

One added: "I think everyone is relieved they have seen sense. The plans would have caused a lot of problems and hurt the children's education.

"It has been hard going, but I think everyone is happy now."