📚 A Welsh school with a rich history faces a heartbreaking moment as it could soon close its doors. Ysgol Y Garreg in Llanfrothen, which had 17 pupils just last year, now has only two students. This sharp decline in numbers has prompted the council to consider closure, as demographic changes and falling birth rates affect the area. 😢
📉 Cyngor Gwynedd’s cabinet has taken the step to publish a statutory notice, allowing locals to voice objections over the next 28 days. If the plan goes ahead, Ysgol Cefn Coch will welcome the area’s students from September. Councillor Dewi Jones explains that demographic shifts aren’t new to the county, as they’ve seen over 1,500 fewer young children in the area over a decade.
👶 With birth rates dropping by 25% in recent years in Gwynedd, this trend isn’t unique to the region, affecting communities across the UK and beyond. The school, cherished by the community for 143 years, faces a sad farewell, although staff and council members have expressed heartfelt gratitude for its service.
💼 Discussions are ongoing to support the staff affected, and there’s still time for the community to have their say on the school’s future. Thoughts turn to possibly repurposing the building to support children who need alternative educational environments.
As Ysgol Y Garreg approaches what could be its final term, it’s a poignant reminder of how communities adapt and evolve. Let’s cherish the memories and hope for positive outcomes for all involved. ❤️