Campaigners say Carmarthenshire must properly consider alternatives after judge’s ruling and last-minute amendment to statutory notice.

A HIGH COURT judge has warned Carmarthenshire County Council that alternative proposals to closing Ysgol Meidrim must be given proper and conscientious consideration before any final decision is made.

The ruling follows a judicial review challenge brought by parent Leia Perry over the council’s decision to consult on the future of the Welsh-medium rural primary school.

Although the High Court did not halt the closure process, campaigners say the judgment raises serious questions about the way the council has handled the matter.

Ysgol Meidrim, near St Clears, currently has around 30 pupils and has been earmarked for closure, with children expected to transfer to other schools from January 2027.

But the school community has mounted a determined campaign to keep it open, arguing that the school remains central to the future of the village, the Welsh language and rural life in the area.

The judgment, handed down by His Honour Judge Jarman KC, found that the challenge should be allowed to proceed, but ultimately dismissed it on the basis that the council still has an opportunity to properly consider alternatives during the ongoing process.

However, the judge made clear that those alternatives must now be considered conscientiously.

Campaigners say this is a significant warning to the council.

Ffred Ffransis, speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire, said the organisation was not a party to the legal action, but understood why a parent of a child with severe medical needs had taken the case.

He said: “The judge criticised the lack of clear communication from the council and that governors had the impression that the council had not yet seriously considered alternatives to closure of Ysgol Meidrim, but found that the evidence did not yet reach the high threshold for legal intervention.

“He has warned the council that they must give conscientious consideration to the alternative proposals drawn up by governors.”

The governors’ proposals include developing the school as part of a wider community hub and exploring federation options rather than closure.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith said the council now had two choices: to press ahead regardless, or to withdraw the closure notice and enter into genuine discussions with governors over their plans.

Mr Ffransis added: “The council must at least demonstrate a new open attitude during the objections period to discussing the alternative proposals.”

The row has deepened after Carmarthenshire County Council was forced to withdraw and reissue its closure notice just three days after it was first published.

According to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, the original notice, issued on June 16, listed nearby Ysgol Bancyfelin as one of three receiving schools. The notice was then withdrawn after it emerged that Ysgol Bancyfelin was already over capacity.

A revised closure notice has now been issued, with the objection period extended until July 17.

The campaign group said this raised further concerns about the way the process was being handled.

Notices have also been placed at the school gates by supporters, making clear that Ysgol Meidrim remains open and encouraging parents to register children there.

One notice states that the judicial review judgment was critical of the council’s handling of the matter and that the future of the school has not yet been decided.

The campaign has attracted wider attention because of the Welsh Government’s presumption against closing rural schools.

Under the School Organisation Code, councils must carefully consider all reasonable alternatives before deciding to close a rural school, including federation and wider community use.

Campaigners argue that Ysgol Meidrim is not simply an education issue, but a question about the survival of Welsh-speaking rural communities.

The council has previously cited low pupil numbers, surplus places, budget pressures and curriculum challenges as reasons for proposing closure.

But opponents say the financial savings are small compared with the impact on the village and its Welsh-medium provision.

Defendant remanded in custody as court hears allegations spanning Wales and South West England

A MAN accused of carrying out a series of high-value thefts from Currys stores across Wales and South West England has appeared before magistrates in connection with an alleged offence in Haverfordwest.

Ilia Patchkoria, aged 27, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court facing multiple theft allegations involving electrical goods worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Among the charges is an allegation that Patchkoria stole items worth £1,525 from the Currys store in Haverfordwest on May 23 this year.

The court heard that the Haverfordwest incident forms part of a wider series of alleged offences said to have taken place at Currys stores across Wales and England.

Other charges relate to alleged thefts at stores in Carmarthen, Barnstaple, Plymouth, Truro, Penzance and Torquay. The total value of the goods involved in the various allegations runs into many thousands of pounds.

According to the court register, the largest single alleged theft took place at the Carmarthen branch, where goods valued at more than £7,600 are said to have been taken.

Patchkoria indicated guilty pleas to some matters before the court. Magistrates ordered that he be remanded in custody while proceedings continue.

The case has been adjourned until July 2, when it is due to return before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

It is not yet known precisely what items were allegedly taken from the Haverfordwest store, although Currys outlets typically stock a range of high-value electrical goods including laptops, mobile phones, gaming consoles and household technology.

No verdicts have been reached in relation to the outstanding allegations.

The Herald has approached Currys for comment on the alleged Haverfordwest theft and to establish whether the incident caused any disruption to customers or store operations.

Photo caption: Currys in Haverfordwest was among several stores allegedly targeted in a cross-country theft spree (Pic: Herald).

FAMILY REMEMBERS “KIND AND LOVING” CALLUM HANSON

THE FAMILY of a 22-year-old man from Haverfordwest who died following a road traffic collision have paid tribute to their “kind and loving” son, brother and grandson.

Callum Hanson sadly passed away in hospital on Wednesday (Jun 17) after a collision on the A4075 near Cross Hands, Pembrokeshire.

In a tribute released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said Callum lived life to the fullest despite his own personal challenges.

They said he was a deeply caring person who had spent the last month looking after his grandad, who also recently passed away.

Callum had a passion for gaming and motorbikes, and was training to become a mechanic at college.

He will be remembered by his mum Joanne, dad Carl, sister Kacey, nan Heather, girlfriend Emily, and his wider family and friends.

The family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses. Officers want to hear from anyone who was travelling on the A4075 between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston at around 6:15pm on Wednesday (Jun 17).

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference 362 of June 17.