Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, has welcomed news that Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet voted against proposals for a new primary superschool in Pontardawe.
The proposal would have seen Alltwen, Llangiwg and Godre’r Graig primary schools closed in order to build a new English-medium ‘super’ school for more than 750 primary pupils in Pontardawe.
Originally passed by the previous Labour administration, the proposal was met with strong opposition within the community. Following the 2022 local elections, the new Rainbow Coalition of Independent and Plaid Cymru groups, supported by Liberal Democrat and Green councillors, undertook a review of the proposals.
Sioned Williams MS, who is also a resident of Alltwen and supporter of the Save our Schools campaign, said;
"I am delighted that Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet voted against proposals for a new primary superschool in Pontardawe today - which would have seen Alltwen, Llangiwg and Godre’r Graig primary schools closed."
"This decision has not only reversed unwanted and inappropriate plans, it also reverses the way NPT Council have operated for too long in the past under Labour control, and shows Plaid Cymru and the Rainbow Coalition's dedication to putting communities at the heart of local democracy. Well done to all who have campaigned so hard for this result."
“Labour were rejected at the ballot box in last year’s local elections in part because they ignored the needs of the communities they represented, preferring to do things to communities rather than with them. Consultation with communities on any initiative must be meaningful if we want people to have faith in their local democracy."
"Plaid Cymru and the Rainbow Coalition have demonstrated principle and strength in arriving at this decision, showing residents that their views can and will be taken into account when decisions are made."
“I urge the administration and officers to now work to develop proposals for a new build school for Godre’r Graig and any necessary improvements to Alltwen and Llangiwg schools and call on Welsh Government to support those new plans."