MACHYNLLETH’S secondary school has come under fire for refusing to help the local army cadet unit which is in danger of having to fold because of a lack of recruits.

The branch, which has just one active cadet, appealed to the town council for help, after being warned it will have to close unless there are six cadets by the end of January and 14 by the end of April.

Cllr Rhydian Mason said he was “appalled” after being told that Ysgol Bro Hyddgen had refused to allow Army Cadet representatives to give a presentation to youngsters to explain what the organisation does.

Cllr Mason said: “I’d hope the school would be sensible enough to let youngsters of this area hear about the cadets.

“Any youth organisation which promoted discipline and inclusion was important to my old school and I’d hope Ysgol Bro Hyddgen would give the cadets the chance to make a presentation.”

Mayor Tony Jones, a former cadet himself, said: “To see how it’s gone down so low is very concerning. I’ve told them I back them and I hope this council will back them.”

Powys Council said it was a matter for school managers. Chair of governors Allan Wynne Jones said the matter had not been discussed by governors. But he said it was his own personal view that organisations promoting peace should be given priority over groups linked to the armed forces.

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