Objections have been raised to plans to replace three Swansea Valley primary schools with a new £22m ‘super school’ in Pontardawe after it was announced that the proposal will go back to public consultation.

The proposed super school, for three to 11-year-olds, was approved last year by Neath Port Talbot Council, and included a six-lane swimming pool and specialist learning support centre.

However, a successful legal challenge was made against the plan by parent group Rhieni Dros Addysg Gymraeg, which argued the proposal would have a severe impact on Welsh-medium education in the area.

Alltwen Primary, Godre-graig Primary and Llangiwg Primary would be closed to establish the new super school, but it was ruled that the council did not conduct an assessment on the impact on Welsh-medium education.

The current consultation runs until January 24, 2023, with responses being reported to cabinet the next month.

Sioned Williams, Member of the Senedd for South Wales West, a resident of Alltwen and supporter of the Save our Schools campaign, has raised her concerns.

She said: “This proposal has to be rejected if other options for the three schools are to be considered by the new council so I would encourage people to put their ideas forward.

“The council’s draft public participation strategy – brought forward by officers on the same day as the schools report – stresses the importance of local democracy and the need to listen and work with communities to face new challenges together.

“This decision will reshape the educational landscape of the Swansea Valley and have a considerable impact on parents, children, and the wider community. I will again be voicing my objection to the superschool and will be supporting exploring different options for each school community.

“The pupils of Godre’rgraig school who are currently housed in temporary buildings away from their community must be prioritised in these plans.

“As for the swimming pool, we all know that the current pool in Pontardawe has not received adequate investment over the years.

"But I understand that the council can approach both the Welsh government and the UK Government for different pots of funding to replace the pool.”

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