Public invited to take part in consultation process over future use of Ysgol Pontfadog site

Members of the Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) are increasing their consultation and public engagement process for the future use of the now redundant Ysgol Pontfadog site.

A wide-ranging set of engagement activities are taking place throughout December and January. These include 1-2-1 interviews with key stakeholders, a household leaflet drop to homes across the ward of Glyntraian in the Ceiriog Valley, a series of public meeting events and online as well as hard copy surveys.

Ysgol Pontfadog closed its doors for the final time in July despite fierce opposition from local campaigners and residents of the community.

However senior councillors voted last summer to close the 110-year-old school due to what was described as a “drop in pupil numbers at both Ysgol Pontfadog and Ysgol Cynddelw schools due to a growing Welsh medium demand in the valley.”

Members of the Glyntraian Community Council have launched a bid to secure the future of the building and are currently consulting with members of the public on the preferred use of the site.

Cllr Graham Barrow, Glyntraian Community Council chairman, said: “There is a quite vocal minority group, with a special interest in the site, who are putting out information locally that their proposed option is something of a shoe in.

“I can categorically assure residents and businesses in Glyntraian that no one group or option over another is favoured at present.”

Cllr Barrow added: “It is extremely important that we reach out to as many people in the Glyntraian area as possible with accurate information on the consultation process, timeline and future use options, and equally importantly, that we are seen to be doing so.”

“The consultation process we are currently engaged in is very far from concluded. We are being scrupulously fair and equitable in gathering and valuing all opinion on the site.

“The independent consultant appointed by this Council is actively engaged in that process now and will be continuing that work well into January. We expect a final recommendation to this Council in late February 2020.”

Comment boxes to receive opinion and suggestions have been placed in the Swan Inn and Pontfadog Post Office in Pontfadog and the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall in Dolywern. The comment form and FAQ document are also downloadable from the Council’s website at www.glyntraian.org.uk.

Anyone wishing to keep up to date with the Glyntraian Community Council consultation on the future of the old school site at Pontfadog is invited to contact the Council’s Clerk in the first instance by emailing [email protected] or call 07948 214079.