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News archive - Nov/December 2009

Welsh schools under threat

THE WELSH Assembly Government’s 'strategic approach' to addressing surplus school places could see the closure of around 150 primary schools and 20 secondary schools across the country.

The plans have been come under attack by opposition politicians. “Schools that are able to deliver the national curriculum should not be forced to close unless there is agreement to do so from parents, teachers and governors,” said Welsh Conservative AM Darren Millar.

'We have already seen post offices, banks and telephone boxes close across North Wales over the past 12 months – all of which have been devastating for the communities affected. Schools are very often at the heart of the local community, particularly in rural areas – this factor must not be overlooked by decision makers."

Millar, the Clwyd West AM and shadow Local Government minister, was also critical of ministers’ plans to cut the schools building improvement grant by more than a third in the recent local government settlement, cutting millions from the budget. The figure will be reduced from £99 million to £65 million next year.

Shadow Education minister Paul Davies agreed: ""The backlog in school building repairs and modernisation is already in excess of £800 million. Slashing this budget to just £65 million means local authorities won’t even be able to scratch the surface in terms of the repairs and renovations needed."

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