Objections to the closure of three primary schools in the south of Ceredigion are due for consideration by the council’s executive.

This week, Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet will receive reports on the responses given to the recent statutory notice to close Cilcennin, Trewen and Beulah schools.

Local communities had objected to the proposals to discontinue the schools due to reducing numbers and increasing costs.

The reports to Cabinet state that there were 65 objections received regarding the closure of Ysgol Trewen, nine objecting to Beulah’s closure and six about Cilcennin.

Comments from those supporting Trewen school include: “If you took away the threat of closure they pupil numbers would rise reversing the effect of the threat of closure”, “a great loss to the community” and “my son has learnt more in four months at Trewen than he learnt at a big school in 18 months”.

Alternatives were put forward to keep the school open, such as moving pupils from Beulah to boost numbers.

A delay on closure to build up numbers at all the schools has been suggested, in light of new housing developments nearing completion and in the pipeline.

Similar support was given to Beulah school, along with a petition signed by more than 200 people. Parents also set up a campaign to save their school.

A teacher states: “Lessons are planned to suit each child, differentiation is the norm. With small class sizes, teachers know their pupils’ strengths and weaknesses and work is set accordingly.”

A final decision on the schools’ status is due at the May meeting of full council.

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now