Sam Rowlands MS is urging people to have their say on merging four schools in North-East Wales

SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging constituents to take part in Flintshire County Council’s consultation on the closure and merging of four Catholic schools in Flintshire.

Mr Rowlands, who has written to express his concerns to the Leader of Flintshire County Council and the Bishop of Wrexham, recently met with concerned parents, governors and local councillors, who are against the proposal.

This week Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet agreed to carry out a consultation on the plans to close four catholic schools and create a super-school in Flint for pupils aged 3-18 from 2026 to 2029. They include St Anthony’s Catholic Primary in Saltney, St David’s in Mold, St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School and St Mary’s in Flint.

Following an assessment of all existing sites, the proposed new school will be developed on the existing sites of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary’s in Flint. The plan also includes closing St Anthony’s by September 2026.

Mr Rowlands said: “I am really disappointed that this controversial proposal has actually gone to a consultation given the huge tide of concern from parents, governors, teachers and local councillors.

“Having met with action groups who have been set up to fight against the plans I am determined to support my constituents in the Saltney, Mold and Flint areas who will be affected if this goes ahead.

“People are extremely concerned for their future of their local schools and the impact that closures would have on their communities.

“I am a firm believer in keeping schools local and I do not think merging four local schools into one “superschool” is the right way forward. St Anthony’s, for example, has been part of the Saltney community for over 150 years and provides education grounded in Christian values.

“The council needs to know the depth of feeling against this controversial issue and everyone needs to lodge their objections.”

As part of the Council’s school modernisation programme, investment has been identified in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham and Welsh Government.