A FORMER Brynaman school could be given a new lease of life, if plans go ahead.

Gwaun Cae Gurwen community council is working with community organisation Canolfan Maerdy in Tairgwaith to purchase and refurbished the former Ysgol y Glyn.

The collaboration will hope to see the disused Lower Brynaman school turned into a community asset, establishing it as a multifunction community resource centre.

Surveys, a feasibility study and recent community consultations have identified gaps from community market gardening, childcare, community cafe and a food coop.

Sonia Reynolds, company secretary for Canolfan Maerdy wanted to stress the proposed centre would seek to fill the gaps identified and not compete with existing community organisations.

“We cannot afford to jeopardise any existing provision and are seeking to build a community forum inclusive of all local organisations providing local services to promote helpful collaboration and sharing of resources,” said Sonia.

Plans for the centre will focus on providing community facilities and meeting rooms for residents and groups of Lower Brynaman, plus an open access youth services.

“It is absolutely vital that the centre is able to meet the need for a community hall for Lower Brynaman, whilst also serving needs that are unmet across the wider community,” added Sonia.

“One such need is for facilities for the youth services and activities throughout the valley. All partners and those that have participated in consultations to date agree that the boundary between Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot should not be seen as barrier.

“The communities need to work together to meet these local service needs.”

Consultation is still ongoing with local groups and residents with a further public consultation event in March.

To find out more about the developments or to contribute to the consultation, email glyn.redevelopment@canolfanmaerdy.co.uk or ring 01269 826893.