Clwyd West AM Darren Millar has hit out at Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet for deciding to press ahead with the closure of Ysgol Llanbedr.

At a meeting yesterday, Cabinet members rejected proposals to allow a public consultation on an alternative plan to federate the Ruthin school with Ysgol Trefnant.

Darren, who has been campaigning with parents, governors and staff to save the village school and had given his support to the proposed federation, said he is extremely disappointed by the Cabinet’s decision.

He said:

“It's clear to me that the Council had made it's mind up well before yesterday’s meeting and that they are determined to seek the closure of the school regardless of the viability of alternative proposals or the views of local people.

“There has been widespread opposition to the closure of Ysgol Llanbedr from the start, but the views of the people it affects have been ignored at every stage.

“Denbighshire County Council asked for viable alternatives to the closure of Ysgol Llanbedr when they debated the matter in June and a federation was exactly that. Federation would have delivered benefits for both schools, with closer collaboration enhancing opportunities for all pupils, improving standards and sharing best practice and quality learning experiences. To dismiss this option as they have is an absolute disgrace.  

“Ysgol Llanbedr is an excellent school and I will continue fighting for its future.”

Picture Caption: Clwyd West AM Darren Millar and Cllr Huw Williams at Ysgol Llanbedr.