**Frustration Mounts Over Delays in Deciding New School for Llanelli’s Most Vulnerable Pupils**
The ongoing delays in making a decision about constructing a new special school in Llanelli, intended to replace the current Ysgol Heol Goffa, have sparked widespread concern and frustration among parents, campaigners and politicians. Leaders from Carmarthenshire County Council discussed two potential designs for the much-anticipated school at a cabinet meeting on 16 June 2025, but say that uncertainties over escalating costs mean a final verdict has yet to be made.
Ysgol Heol Goffa, which currently supports 120 pupils with additional learning needs, is widely acknowledged as vital to the local community. The council is now considering two possibilities: a 150-place school featuring specialised centres for pupils with autistic spectrum conditions, or a more ambitious 250-place institution that would extend support to even more children.
However, the figures involved have given councillors pause. Estimates for the smaller school sit between £42.2 and £58.1 million, while the larger option ranges from £36.2 to £51.2 million, with Welsh Government expected to supply most of the funding. Despite the urgent need, council officials insist more analysis on the design and size of the project is necessary before breaking ground.
Those advocating for the new school view the delays as a serious setback for families reliant on support. Campaign groups, who previously organised protests after earlier plans to build Ysgol Heol Goffa on the former Draka copperworks site were shelved, are adamant that further postponements are unacceptable. One group, the Ysgol Heol Goffa Action Committee, emphasised the lengthening pupil waiting list and the strain placed on parents. “Time is of the essence here; parents do not want to be waiting another five years plus for the new school,” the committee wrote to the council, stressing the importance of increasing capacity to address rising demand.
Headteacher Ceri Hopkins has also weighed in, making a strong case for the 250-place school. Ms Hopkins argued this larger facility would best serve the needs of vulnerable children and help maintain a sense of community, as well as minimising disruption for pupils.
Political tensions surrounding the issue have not gone unnoticed. The opposition Labour group, led by Cllr Deryk Cundy, has criticised the Plaid Cymru-led coalition for what it calls dithering and indecision. In a strongly worded response after the latest meeting, Cllr Cundy described the ongoing delay as “a kick in the teeth for the parents,” warning that every month’s wait risks pushing building costs even higher.
Cabinet members have expressed sympathy for the financial pressures facing both the council and families. Cllr Glynog Davies, cabinet member for education, acknowledged that the costs involved were “truly eye-watering” but defended the decision to review all options thoroughly to ensure the best outcome. He stated that both options now on the table would be vast improvements over previous proposals.
Adding political weight to the campaign, Llanelli’s MP Nia Griffith and MS Lee Waters have formally urged the council to choose the 250-place plan, arguing that the original copperworks site remains ideal and that efficient procurement methods could yield savings. Suggestions were made to reconsider extra features, like omitting a hydrotherapy pool, to further reduce expenses.
Yet, some local councillors fear that ongoing uncertainty could hold disastrous consequences. Shaun Greaney, who serves the ward containing Ysgol Heol Goffa, voiced concerns about the impact that the upcoming Senedd elections might have. He warned that if a decision isn’t secured before May, potential changes in Welsh Government could jeopardise the project entirely should new political leaders hold different priorities.
Meanwhile, the council’s annual running costs for Ysgol Heol Goffa currently stand at £3.45 million, a figure set to rise if the school expands. Still, for anxious families, the growing demand for specialist support in Carmarthenshire means the stakes have never been higher. The community remains hopeful that a firm decision will soon pave the way for a modern school, capable of meeting the needs of every child who depends on its services.