Concerns raised over consultation process as governors’ community hub proposal gains attention

CYMDEITHAS YR IAITH has criticised Carmarthenshire County Council’s proposal to close Ysgol Meidrim, describing the move as an “illogical conclusion” and questioning whether the statutory presumption against closing rural schools has been properly applied.

The campaign group issued a formal response to the consultation, arguing that local authorities are required to begin any review of a rural school by seriously considering how it can be sustained and developed, with closure considered only as a last resort.

Speaking on behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith locally, Ffred Ffransis said: “Nobody could understand why the council would come to the illogical conclusion of wishing to close a school which Estyn said was improving educationally, where pupil numbers were increasing, where the school served as the Welsh-medium heart of the community, which acted as a safe haven for pupils with additional learning needs, and where the council would save almost no money at all by closing it.

“However, when we followed the initial stages of the consultation process, it became clear that officials were treating all rural schools under review as problems from the start, and data was collected to back up the preconception. In presenting the legislation to the Senedd in 2018, the then Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams, emphasised that proposing closure of a rural school should always be the ‘last resort’, but it is now being treated as the solution of choice.”

He added that the organisation welcomed signs the council was taking seriously an alternative proposal from the school’s governors to develop a costed community hub alongside the school, working in cooperation with neighbouring schools.

Council response

Carmarthenshire County Council has previously stated that it has a statutory duty to review school provision to ensure education is delivered in suitable facilities and remains sustainable for the future. The authority says proposals are developed following detailed assessments, including pupil numbers, building condition, financial considerations and long-term viability.

The council has also confirmed that consultation responses, including alternative proposals, will be considered before any final decision is made by elected members.

The consultation process remains ongoing.

A GROUP of Pembrokeshire school-based youth workers recently took young people from four secondary schools on an unforgettable six-day visit to Iceland — a journey focused not only on education, but also on wellbeing, confidence and personal growth.

Funded through Taith, an international learning exchange programme for people in Wales, the trip brought together young people from across the county, many of whom had never travelled abroad before.

From the moment they arrived, the experience was designed to encourage participants to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience and develop friendships in a supportive environment.

One of the most powerful moments came as the group stood together at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik under the night sky, watching the Northern Lights shimmer above them. For many, it provided a rare pause from everyday pressures — a moment of calm, connection and awe that youth workers say will remain with them for years to come.

The group also attended Iceland’s Festival of Lights, experiencing the atmosphere of creativity, music and community spirit. Sharing the celebration helped young people appreciate the importance of culture, belonging and collective joy in supporting mental wellbeing.

A visit to the Secret Lagoon offered further opportunities to slow down. Immersed in warm geothermal waters surrounded by dramatic scenery, participants experienced the benefits of relaxation and mindfulness. Youth workers noted that these quieter moments allowed conversations to develop naturally, strengthening trust and deepening relationships.

The trip placed strong emphasis on teamwork and independence. Young people navigated travel arrangements, managed responsibilities, supported one another and adapted to unfamiliar surroundings — experiences which helped build confidence and social skills.

Meeting Icelandic peers at a local youth club was another highlight. Conversations about daily life, hopes and ambitions reinforced the idea that young people across the world share similar challenges and aspirations. These exchanges fostered empathy, broadened horizons and encouraged a stronger sense of global citizenship.

Senior Youth Worker Tristy McDermott said the impact of the visit was clear.

“We observed noticeable growth in many participants over the six days — quieter young people finding their voice, friendships forming across schools, and individuals showing resilience in new situations,” she said.

“Time away from routine, combined with positive adult support and inspiring surroundings, created space for reflection and self-discovery.

“For the young people of Pembrokeshire, this was far more than a visit abroad. It was an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, form lasting memories and return home with a renewed sense of possibility.”

The group extended thanks to Taith for making the experience possible.

A CALL for a storage container for a “well-established and valued” Pembrokeshire children’s nursery in a nearby cemetery has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Diane Evans of Meithrinfa Do Re Mi Nursery seeks permission for the installation of a storage container, partially in retrospect, at Horeb Cemetery, Station Road, Letterston.

A supporting statement says: “The container is required to provide essential ancillary storage to support the lawful and established nursery use within the [nearby] chapel building.

“The site forms part of an active cemetery, owned and managed by a group of trustees. The applicant is one of the trustees and has obtained formal permission from the trustees for the container to be sited on this land. The area selected previously comprised a large, longstanding mound of garden waste which has now been removed. The land has been levelled and prepared with a hard-standing base.

“The container will be used solely for storage of nursery equipment and materials, including outdoor learning resources, maintenance equipment, and items required to manage both the nursery grounds and the cemetery land. No additional operational activity will take place within or around the container.”

It adds: “The day nursery provides childcare for approximately 83 children from the local community and employs 21 staff, all of whom live locally. The nursery is a well-established and valued community facility, supporting local families and contributing positively to the local economy. Adequate storage is essential to ensure the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the nursery. The chapel building itself has limited internal storage, making external ancillary storage necessary.”

It says the nursery “operates with a strong community focus and promotes sustainability and environmental awareness,” with plans to soften its appearance through the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers.

It added: “Children will take part in a ‘sow, grow and give’ project, growing cut flowers from seed. These flowers will be made available to the community, particularly visitors to the cemetery, who will be invited to cut flowers to place on the graves of loved ones. This initiative enhances biodiversity, strengthens community links, and adds social value to the cemetery space.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.