Could the Cabinet Member provide an update on the new Ysgol Dewi Sant?
Minutes:
“Could the Cabinet Member provide an update on the new Ysgol Dewi Sant?”
Response by Councillor Glynog Davies – Cabinet Member for Education & Children:-
“Well, thank you. We have reached the 4th question and now finally Cllr James is asking a question which is relevant to his ward. The ward that he represents.
I would like to say this first of all about Ysgol Dewi Sant, the school was opened, on the 1st of March 1947. I'm sure that you have counted, like myself that this school will be 75 years old, celebrating 75 years of Welsh medium education in Carmarthenshire. It's an important anniversary. But what makes it more important is the fact that this was the first Welsh language school to be opened by any local authority in Wales. History was created here in Carmarthenshire and thanks to the vision of the Councillors at that time and thanks to the campaign in Llanelli which was led by members of the Labour Party. The Labour Party at that time was leading the way and were opening a Welsh school for 34 children. Breaking new ground today, there is just short of 500 children on the register.
Now, the same Labour party that had the vision in 1947 has opposed at every opportunity of the plans of the administration to give a new home to this school. A site, which was chosen not by ourselves as Councillors but by experts.
The children and their teachers would now be in a new school if this administration would have had its way and they would be able to celebrate this birthday in style. Instead of that, they are in an old school, which is unsuitable for the requirements of the 21st century. Thank you Rob. The work of choosing a purposeful site is difficult, but the work is continuing, and we are working hard on this. We are working with the Environment Department. Because all the factors have to be considered, such as transportation and environment, topography, availability etc. This work has to be done thoroughly. That is what is happening at the moment.”
Supplementary Question by Councillor Rob James
“I shared the Cabinet Member’s opinions when it comes to the importance of Dewi Sant in the area and also being the first Welsh school. There's been two years since he withdrew plans to build a new school despite numerous attempts I have made to push this Council to consult on the new site. Both the school and the community is still in the dark. Now what we're looking for is a firm date on when this consultation will begin, so can you tell the people that are connected with this school when they will hear about the proposals for the new school.”
Response by Councillor Glynog Davies – Cabinet Member for Education & Children:-
“It's just so unfair on those children and staff that they still in that building. And once again, I point a finger at you Rob James. Why all this time? I insist that all the elements I have noted are looked at in as much detail as possible in order to avoid, yes avoid any potential opposition in the future. Opposition that will lead to more delays, and that's why work is being done thoroughly and I'm waiting now for Stage 1 of the work to be completed very soon.”