THE threat of closure looms over two south Ceredigion primary schools – one of which celebrated its centenary last year – because of falling pupil numbers.

The next step in a “lengthy process” was approved by members of a council committee on 26 April with a recommendation of an option to “disband the existing soft federation and close both Beulah and Trewen schools”.

The learning communities overview and scrutiny committee discussed the two options brought forward by a school review panel following a Cabinet decision that they be investigated further.

After nearly two hours, members agreed that the option to close both schools go back to Cabinet, along with comments from the committee.

Other options had referred to the closure of schools in Cenarth and Llechryd but these appear to now be off the table.

Trewen School is in the ward of Cllr Wyn Thomas, a member of the committee, who said that the drop in pupil numbers was a “hard knock” for the school.

It had seen a sudden drop from 40 in 2017 to 18 this year and he said the potential restructure of schools in the area may have put parents off sending their children there.

Cllr Thomas called for options on Trewen school to remain open as pupils from Beulah school may choose to attend there, boosting numbers and reducing the cost of teaching, as “geography and logistics” would put them off attending Cenarth school.

“The most important thing is to give the best opportunities for the children. I would beg you to consider to keep the dialogue open and consider keeping Trewen school open,” he added.

Beulah’s local member Cllr Lyndon Lloyd, also chair of governors at the school, requested a written report of the review panels findings in case of “challenge.”

Beulah school also had 18 pupils on its roll in January 2018.

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