Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has carefully reviewed the proposals put forward by Powys County Council regarding the future of Ysgol Calon y Dderwen and Treowen C.P. School. The council acknowledges the importance of these decisions and the impact they will have on our community.
At the meeting of full council on 26th February, a working group identified and evaluated numerous factors in formulating its recommendations. These factors include:
· Distinguishing between schools and sites to potentially operate a single, merged school over multiple sites, retaining the benefits of smaller local settings while exploring opportunities for financial savings
· Addressing current and future vehicular congestion around Park Street and the town generally
· Considering possible future housing growth areas around Treowen and Maesyrhandir
· Recognising the exposed position of Maesyrhandir CP School resulting from Powys County Council’s proposals
· Raising questions regarding the validity of travel time data and the evenness of geographical distribution of schools throughout the area.
Additionally, your Town Council emphasises the importance of focusing on pupil need and attendance, ensuring that any changes align with the best interests of the students and their families. Concerns about the climate change impact of increased vehicular travel, the disruption caused by relocating young children from their communities, and the availability of extra funding for new construction at Ysgol Calon y Dderwen were also highlighted.
Furthermore, your Town Council suggested an alternative of exploring the possibility of a new merged school operating across three sites as an alternative solution.
