Dear Lynne,
Re: Future of Godre’rgraig Primary School
11th April 2025
I am writing to raise concerns on behalf of constituents regarding Godre’rgraig Primary School. As you will be aware, the school was closed in 2019 due to safety concerns relating to a nearby quarry tip. Since then, pupils have been taught in temporary portable classrooms on the grounds of Cwmtawe Community School—an arrangement which has now continued for five years.
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has submitted a proposal for a new-build replacement school through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Nine-Year Rolling Programme.
In correspondence dated 19th January 2024 from the Welsh Government, in response to the Strategic Outline Programme variation request from NPTCBC, it was noted that the Panel did not consider there to be sufficient information to recommend approval at that stage. The primary concern cited was the potential impact on the Welsh language, with a request for a full Welsh Language Impact Assessment (WLIA) covering the wider Swansea Valley and identifying appropriate mitigations.
It is important to note that the current Plaid Cymru and Independent-led coalition at NPTCBC— supported by the Liberal Democrats and Green Party— overturned the previous Labour administration’s plan for a new school in Pontardawe. Instead, they submitted a new application focused on the replacement of Godre’rgraig Primary School. This change in approach has added to the uncertainty felt by many families locally.
In light of the above, I would be grateful if you could provide any clarity on the current position regarding plans for a new school, and the steps that remain before a final decision is made.
Thank you for your continued attention to this issue, which remains of deep concern to the local community.
