A plan to turn Tregaron’s disused swimming pool into a nursery has been given cabinet approval.

Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet has approved a recommendation to officially close the pool on the Ysgol Henry Richard site permanently and to refurbish the building for use as a nursery facility with outside play area.

It would boost the provision for younger pupils with nursery provision and wrap around care at Cylch Meithrin, which would also allow parents to access Welsh Government funding in some cases, as well as “to ensure a seamless transition between the foundation phase and childcare elements.”

A report to cabinet adds that the facilities would “secure the long term education three to 16 provision on the Henry Richard site which is vital to the sustainability of the school.”

Local member Cllr Catherine Hughes, cabinet member for Porth Ceredigion said she had “mixed feelings” about the plan with the loss of the pool disappointing, as well as the Welsh Government decision not to allow funding for a replacement.

“We have to look at this in a positive way, we have and opportunity to improve the facilities in the area of Tregaron,” she added.

Cllr Keith Evans, of Llandysul, also said it was disappointed on one hand but also pleased to see educational improvements for the area.

The swimming pool had been closed for restoration work on a number of occasions over the years, a report to cabinet states, and it has not reopened since works costing around £113,000 was identified in 2017 after the pool tank wall was damaged.

Capital funding from Welsh Government has been approved for childcare facilities at the school.