Plans to build an area school for the Aeron Valley have been rubber-stamped by councillors.

The project was described as a “golden opportunity” to provide the best chances for children in the Aeron Valley, but will mean the closure of three schools.

Ceredigion full council has approved a plan to create a new area school in the Aeron Valley by 1 September, 2022.

The new school will lead to the closure of three primary schools in the Aeron Valley. Ciliau Parc, Felinfach and Dihewyd primary schools will close at the end of August 2022.

A public consultation on the plan had resulted in 11 objections considered by Cabinet, Cllr Catrin Miles said at the full council meeting.

The Cabinet member for schools service and lifelong learning said it was a “golden opportunity” to create the best education for children in the area.

Local member Cllr Marc Davies supported the proposal saying area schools were playing a larger part in Ceredigion’s role as one of the “best educators in Wales.”

He said closing schools was an emotive subject but “the creation of an area school is the only viable option” and it would mean an investment in the Aeron Valley of more than £7million.

Another councillor with an area school in his ward Lynford Thomas opposed the plan, although he acknowledged his school had been successful.

“As all of you here I want the best for our children and our schools. Personally I see the 21st Century Schools being detrimental to a lot of Ceredigion areas,” he added, saying villages that had lost a school were now empty during the day.

Following the meeting, Cllr Catrin Miles, Cabinet member responsible for learning services, said: “This decision shows our commitment to providing high quality education with modern facilities.

“Children of the Aeron Valley will flourish with new friends and opportunities."

See next week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Thursday, 2 January