TWO MORE rural schools in west Wales could close by the end of the year after Carmarthenshire County Council published statutory notices proposing the closure of Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro.

The move follows growing concern over the future of small rural schools across the region, after The Herald reported yesterday on separate school closure proposals in Pembrokeshire.

Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed on Tuesday (Jun 16) that statutory notices had been issued under the School Standards and Organisation Act 2013.

Members of the public now have 28 days to object, with the deadline set for July 14, 2026.

Objections can be submitted through the council’s online surveys for Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro, by emailing [email protected], or in writing to Owain Lloyd, Director of Education and Leisure, County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP.

Cabinet decision

The decision to issue the statutory notices was agreed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday, June 1.

If the proposals are approved, both closures would take effect from December 31, 2026.

From January 1, 2027, pupils currently attending Ysgol Meidrim would be expected to attend either Ysgol Griffith Jones or Ysgol Hafodwenog, depending on parental preference and the council’s admissions arrangements.

The catchment area of Ysgol Gynradd Meidrim would also be re-designated and absorbed into the existing catchment areas of Ysgol Griffith Jones and Ysgol Bancyfelin.

Under the proposals for Ysgol y Fro, pupils would attend Ysgol y Dderwen from January 1, 2027, again subject to parental preference and admissions arrangements.

Its catchment area would be re-designated and included within the existing catchments of Llangunnor Primary School, Llanddarog VC Primary School, Ferryside VC Primary School, Gwynfryn Primary School, Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian, Ysgol Gynradd Mynyddygarreg and Ysgol y Castell.

Rural school concern

The council says both schools have been identified under viability criteria set out in its Modernising Education Programme, which was approved by Cabinet on November 18, 2024.

The publication of statutory notices marks a formal stage in the closure process and gives parents, residents, governors and other interested parties the opportunity to object before a final decision is made.

The proposals come amid wider concern about the future of small rural schools, with communities across west Wales warning that closures can have a lasting impact on village life, Welsh-language education, transport arrangements and young families.

The council has said objections received during the statutory notice period will be considered before any final decision is taken.

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.