A campaigner fighting to save a primary school has accused Ceredigion County Council of “rushing through” its closure before changes to the Schools Organisation Code come into force.

The new code, has arrived too late for a number of schools which have already closed in Ceredigion. Particularly angered is Liz Screen, who claims County Hall has ‘obstinately’ refused to consider alternative options for Ysgol Cilcennin primary school.

The chair of governors has also questioned the local authority’s apparent lack of an overall policy, maintaining all decisions have been ‘piecemeal’ and only served to be divisive for local communities.

“How convenient for Ceredigion County Council that changes to the Schools Organisation Code will come into force too late to save Cilcennin school,” she told the Cambrian News.

“Campaigners trying to save a number of schools across Wales are accusing councils of rushing through closures before the new rules apply and that seems to certainly be the case in Ceredigion.

“The Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams, has said that all viable alternatives, including linking up with other schools, should be considered before closure.

“But in the case of Cilcennin they have obstinately refused to consider any of the options which have been put before them.

“Against all long-standing guidelines issued by the Welsh Government the nearest neighbouring school has been allowed to far exceed capacity which has had a seriously detrimental effect on Cilcennin.”

A Ceredigion council spokesman said: “The council follows the appropriate statutory regulations as regards to any possible school reorganisation.

“The consultation undertaken with regards Ysgol Cilcennin has incorporated the requirements of the new amended statutory code.”

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