A primary school in Neath Port Talbot that was forced to close suddenly due to the risk of a landslide could remain in its temporary new location for at least a year, if not longer.

Surveys are being undertaken on the land around Godre’r Graig Primary School, near Pontardawe, after it was discovered there was a medium level risk from a quarry spoil tip above the school.

Since the start of the new term, the school staff and children have been in portable cabins on the site of Cwmtawe Comprehensive School.

And it looks like they won’t be returning to their school building before the end of the school year.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Rob Jones says the local authority has hired the temporary cabins for two years and applied for planning consent for them to remain on the site for the same period of time.

He said: “Earth Science Partnership (ESP) which is undertaking the in-depth surveys have indicated they will take a minimum of six to nine months and we have already hit problems.

“The surveys have started but we are aware they have been delayed because of the topography of the area – I’m told it’s delayed by six weeks already.

“In that case we would have come very close to the 12 month mark – two years gives us a safety buffer.”

He added: “We hope to get an interim report from ESP around December/January time – that will give us an indication as to where we are regarding the potential risk to children and staff if they returned to the school premises.

“I must emphasise the school is not closed – they remain a school, they just happen to be receiving their education in a different location from the main building.”

Cllr Jones said the move from Godre’r Graig to Cwmtawe had taken 54 days in total and the school had already held a parents’ open day at the new site.

He said: “While there are certain factions in the community that disagree with the initial report by ESP and see it as alarmist, with the council being hasty in its actions, I will not compromise in relation to any element of risk where children and staff safety is involved.”