GOVERNORS of three Towy Valley primary schools are keeping their fingers crossed the local authority holds to its promise of a £13million cash bonanza.

The two schools, in Llandeilo and neighbouring Ffairfach, have been allocated the money after being placed in Band A – the top band – of schools in Carmarthenshire requiring improvements under the Modernising Education Plan. However, concerns continueto linger after it emerged the three schools had been placed at number 11 in the 11-strong list.

The rankings were announced at a recent chair of governors’ training session held in Carmarthen.

Llandeilo CP chair of governors Edward Thomas said: “While we are grateful to be in the Band A list, which means work will be undertaken within six years, it is disappointing to seeweare bottom of the list.

“If further cutbacks occur wemaymove off the list.”

Mr Thomas also questioned the rankings criteria. “There are seven Llanelli-area schools in a better position,”

he said.

He also queried the £6.8million allocated to Trimsaran Primary School, which falls in the ward of Carmarthenshire county council leader Meryl Gravell,eventhoughthebuildingwas only opened in 1968.

“We work from old Victorian buildings,” said Mr Thomas. “It seems unfair that one area in Carmarthenshire is getting 49 per cent of the budget, while the other areas – mainly the rural and smaller towns – are sharing the rest of the pot. The children of Llandeilo and Ffairfach deserve better.”

Meanwhile, Ammanford Nursery, Bro Banw Ysgol, Gymraeg Rhydaman are set to receive a combined £15million after being ranked tenth in the list of schools needing redevelopment.