AMs are calling for a meaningful consultation on school plans.

Neath Port Talbot council has approved plans to submit a bid for funding to build a new school in the Pontardawe area.

The school would accommodate children aged 3-16 from Cwmtawe Comprehensive as well as four local primary schools.

Plaid Cymru’s Dr Dai Lloyd and Bethan Jenkins have written to the Director of Education for Neath Port Talbot, with concerns which have been raised with them by local people.

“Members of the local community have highlighted a lack of communication from the council, and there is great uncertainty around what this proposal would mean for the four local primary schools affected.

“Teachers, parents, and pupils will be rightly concerned at the way Neath Port Talbot’s Labour council have handled this proposal so far” said Dr Lloyd.

“Many people will be directly affected if this proposal is accepted.

“Parents are concerned that should the new school be built, four local primary schools could be closed down.

“The real issue here is that a funding bid is being submitted before any consultation has taken place.

“If funding is granted, how can people be confident that their views will be listened to in a future consultation?”

Bethan Jenkins added, “County councillors have not been given adequate opportunity so far to scrutinise these plans.

“This is a major proposal and it requires a full and meaningful consultation.

“Many local people have contacted us to highlight their disappointment at the lack of communication from the council.

“We are calling on the council to commit to a meaningful consultation before any decision is taken on building the new school, and to fully respect the views of those who will be affected by any change.”