TALKS over school closures in Ceredigion should be put on hold until Welsh Education Secretary Kirsty Williams announces whether she will force a change in policy over spare places, a Ceredigion councillor has insisted.

Cllr Alun Lloyd Jones, who represents the Llanfarian ward, said the council should impose a moratorium on any school closures in the council until the future policy of the Welsh Government is clear.

But after members of the council’s learning communities scrutiny committee rejected his plea, Cllr Jones has hit out, saying councillors who want to proceed with discussions over the future of schools, especially those in the Aeron Valley, should “hang their heads in shame”.

Cllr Jones made the request at a scrutiny committee meeting, where members were considering which option for the future of schools in Cilcennin, Ciliau Parc, Dihewyd and Felinfach should be recommended to the authority’s Cabinet.

Cllr Jones, backed by council chair Dai Mason, put forward a fifth option of a moratorium until Ms Williams outlines the future policy of the Welsh Government but they were outvoted.

Cllr Jones said it was reckless to consider closing smaller schools ahead of a possible policy change.

“Ceredigion have the dubious honour of being top of the table in Wales for closing small schools,” he said.

“I called for a total moratorium on all school closures until we know where we stand. I’m appalled that they wouldn’t even consider this motion."

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