AM Disappointed at closure decision

David Rees, AM for Aberavon, joined with residents of Briton Ferry in expressing their disappointment at the news that Cwrt Sart School will close in 2016, along with Glanafan & Sandfields comprehensive schools to allow the creation of a new super school in Sandfields.  The Minister for Education & Skills at the Welsh Government reflected upon the objections raised by over 3000 statutory objectors and has decided upon supporting the council’s proposals and outlined his findings in a response to the local authority.

Mr Rees stated “The campaigners to save Cwrt Sart submitted a very detailed case to keep the school within Briton Ferry, highlighting the many positive aspects of the school and the excellent outcomes achieved by staff and pupils.   It is thus hugely disappointing that the Minister has taken the decision to support the proposal from the local authority to close Cwrt Sart Community Comprehensive School and transfer its pupils to either the new ‘super school’ at Western Avenue or to Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School. “

“I am still concerned over the proposal to make the children walk to the new school and will continue to seek that the local authority revisits this decision, especially when the outcomes of the review on safer routes to school is published.  This was also highlighted by the Minister in his findings.”

He added “One silver lining to this decision is that pupils will be educated in a modern state of the art facility which will provide increased opportunities for our children.  However, in addition to the provision of the new educational facilities for the children of Briton Ferry being proposed it is important that the local authority now states explicitly how it will replace the community facilities that Cwrt Sart has provided to residents of Briton Ferry and Melin and which will now disappear.”