PLAID Cymru councillors have hit out at attempts to “blacken the name” of the party by claiming that it is looking to close schools in Ceredigion.

Members of the learning communities scrutiny committee have been discussing options for the future of schools in the Aeron Valley.

But Plaid councillors said they were unhappy that in the build-up to the Welsh Assembly elections, it had been claimed that Plaid Cymru was driving forward proposals that could see four schools in the Aeron Valley close.

They said that Plaid was being targeted instead of the coalition that runs Ceredigion County Council, which includes Plaid, independent, Independent Voice and Labour representatives.

Cllr John Lumley said he had been left “angered” over claims that Plaid Cymru was responsible for the proposals that could see schools at Cilcennin, Ciliau Parc, Dihewyd and Felinfach close, with an area school formed in Felin­fach.

Cllr Odwyn Davies hit out at Cllr Elizabeth Evans, who stood for the Welsh Lib Dems in the election, saying that claims made in election leaflets had made him “feel worthless”.

But Cllr Evans said she had attended the meeting as a councillor that represents Aberaeron and insisted that she had not suggested Plaid Cymru was pushing for schools to close, but that options were being put forward by the Plaid Cymru-led coalition that rules the council.

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