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'Dear Gordon Brown ... Save Our School!'

Posted on: Monday, 3 April 2006, 09:01 CDT

By MOIRA SHARKEY South Wales Echo

Campaigners battling to save a Valleys school have taken their fight to Downing Street. The Friends of Blaenclydach Infants' School in Tonypandy have written to Chancellor Gordon Brown asking for his support.

The decision on whether the school stays open will be taken by First Minister Rhodri Morgan in the next few days. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council proposed the closure as part of a series of measures to reduce surplus places in schools.

Having campaigned outside the new National Assembly debating chamber and the Wales Office in Cathays Park, parents and grandparents have written to the Chancellor. They say the school, which has 90 pupils and is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, is the centre of the community.

It provides not just schooling for the youngest children but acts as a youth centre in the evenings, as well as offering education to young people who play truant or have been excluded.

To publicly celebrate a century of success a fun and games day was organised at the school this week.

The campaigners wrote to Mr Brown after he spoke of his vision for schools, stating: 'We noticed you came out strongly in favour of all schools being equipped with white boards and having science clubs.

'We welcome both initiatives but find it ironic that despite our school already having both of these modern facilities, there are people who want to close it as soon as possible. This can't be right.'

Campaiger Kathryn Beeke said: 'We are doing everything possible to save the school. We hope Mr Brown can support it. The fun and games day was a real celebration of everything that is positive in Blaenclydach Infants School.

'We want everyone to know that it is worth saving.'

Source: South Wales Echo

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