Supporters of a Carmarthenshire village school have placed a defiant “Still Open” notice on its gates as a council move to close the school edges closer.
PARENTS and governors at Ysgol Meidrim erected the notice on Monday (June 15), a day before Carmarthenshire County Council is expected to publish a formal Closure Notice proposing the school’s closure at the end of 2026.
The Welsh-medium primary school currently has 32 pupils, with council projections indicating enrolment could rise to 40 within the next two years.
Campaigners opposing the closure say the council’s own figures show the move would generate savings of only around £13,000 once additional transport costs are taken into account. They also dispute whether even those savings would be realised.
Speaking as the notice was placed on the school gates, parent and governor Ceirios Williams urged local decision-makers to visit the school and consider alternative plans.
“Up until now, we have been limited to submitting written evidence and attending two meetings with officers,” she said.
“We are calling on elected councillors and local Members of the Senedd to come and see our exciting plans to develop a community hub alongside the school and attract additional funding.
“Meidrim does not fit the Council’s stereotypical image of a struggling small rural school, and parents are united in their support for keeping it open.”
The campaign has been further complicated by an ongoing legal challenge. A judgment is expected this week in a Judicial Review case concerning the council’s decision to proceed to consultation on closure proposals.
Language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith has urged Carmarthenshire County Council not to issue a Closure Notice until the outcome of the Judicial Review is known.
Ffred Ffransis, speaking on behalf of the organisation in Carmarthenshire, said the court’s decision to allow a full hearing suggested there were significant issues to be considered.
“Given that the court has decided that a full hearing is required for a parent’s application for a Judicial Review, it is clear that the court believes there is a substantial case to answer,” he said.
“Even if the situation were not to reach the high threshold required for legal intervention, the Council should carefully consider any comments made by the judge before proceeding to issue a Closure Notice.”
If the Closure Notice is published as expected on June 16, a 28-day objection period will follow before a final decision is taken by Carmarthenshire County Council later this year.
The debate comes as Pembrokeshire County Council considers its own controversial school closure proposal. Councillors were due to make a final decision on Monday regarding the future of Ysgol Clydau in north Pembrokeshire, following strong opposition from the local community.
Campaigners in both counties argue that rural schools play a vital role in sustaining Welsh-speaking communities and local services, while councils face increasing financial pressures and falling pupil numbers in some areas.
