Machynlleth’s new Ysgol Bro Hyddgen building could be delayed, after contractors appointed to build it went into administration.

Powys County Council appointed Swansea-based construction firm Dawnus to build the new school, for pupils from age four to 18, but on Friday it was confirmed that the company had gone into administration, with accountants Grant Thornton appointed to act as administrator.

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen headteacher Dafydd Jones had already warned school governors that the situation with Dawnus could see the new building delayed until 2020, even before the announcement that the company had gone into administration.

Powys council’s education portfolio holder Myfanwy Alexander said the authority had not been alerted to any issues by Dawnus, but that the council would be monitoring the situation.

She said: “The county council is aware of media reports commenting on the company’s financial position and is monitoring the situation closely. The council has not received any formal contact from the company.

“Dawnus is a key partner in a number of our school modernisations projects and we will be working to mitigate any potential issues.”

Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, vice-chair of Bro Hyddgen governors, said: “This is very disappointing news and will inevitably cause further delays in the delivery of these important projects.

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