Campaign Group request urgent meeting

Hi Karen and Steve, Following further discussion with the campaign group yesterday, please see below. I am available to answer any queries should you require any further information. Regards Peter Dear NPTCBC We are writing to bring to your attention the ongoing concerns voiced by the Governors, Parents, and Residents forming the Campaign Group regarding the closure of Godre’r Graig school and the proposed demolition of the building. The community is expressing discontent over the decision-making process and has raised two prominent objections:

1. Apprehension about the loss of education within the village.
2. Concerns regarding the demolition of a historic building that has stood at the heart of the village for over a century.

While acknowledging the community’s reservations about the prolonged closure of the school, it is imperative that our focus shifts towards finding viable solutions moving forward. The potential establishment of a replacement school within the village could alleviate concerns related to local education provision. However, demolishing the old school buildings prematurely, without a guarantee of a replacement school, seems premature. In light of recent discussions and correspondence with the new tip safety team at the Welsh Government, responsible for ensuring the safety of the quarry site once legislation is passed, there may be opportunities for the school site’s reoccupation, possibly for an alternative use. The Campaign Group is keen to see a resolution without protracted disputes or investigations and finds the demolition of the building unacceptable when other solutions might be on the horizon. The Campaign Group respectfully requests the following actions from the authority:

1. Postpone any demolition plans.
2. Arrange a meeting with representatives of the Campaign Group to discuss the long-term future of the building.
3. Allow the Campaign Group, once a replacement school is guaranteed, to explore potential future uses with the new tip safety team, expected to be in place later this year or next.
4. Consider the transfer of the old school site to a community company if alternative solutions can be identified.

Given the recent outreach from media companies and the publishing of the notice of intended demolition, a timely response would be greatly appreciated. The Campaign Group is eager to collaborate with the council in creating better environments within our villages.