AM makes the case for new Ysgol Dewi Sant

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas quizzed the Welsh Government about plans for a new site for Ysgol Dewi Sant in Llanelli.

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Simon Thomas said:

“Three Estyn reports have now said that the current condition of the school is having an effect on learning in that school, and that the pupils of Ysgol Dewi Sant deserve the best possible education, and that’s the purpose of the twenty-first century schools programme.

“The planning application has been formally submitted for the new school. There have been some delays because there have been complaints that the school will replace what they call a greenfield site. It’s important to underline that the planning application includes public access to the school playing fields and therefore retains a community element, as everyone, I’m sure, would welcome.

“I asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education for assurances that if delays arising from this local disagreement were to hold up the project, the capital funding would still be available for this school.

“Surely we should be focussing on the pupils who need a new school and deserve a building that is fit for this century, not the last century.”

Following education questions in the Senedd, Mr Thomas commented:

“I was very  disappointed that Lee Waters issued a threat to try and call in the planning application if the village green application fails.

“No politician should deny the best possible facilities for our children. Three Estyn reports have said these pupils deserve better buildings. I will fight to ensure this £9m comes to Ysgol Dewi Sant and Llanelli so funds are not lost from our community. I am amazed the Labour AM wants to risk this.”

“Once again the Labour party is playing politics with pupils’ education.”