Pembrokeshire County Council Faces Backlash Over Manorbier School Closure Threat

Strategic Insights -

A decades-old church-run primary school in Wales, Manorbier School, is threatened with complete closure after a fire three years ago left the building severely damaged. The school's staff, pupils, and parents have been left in limbo as the Pembrokeshire County Council continues to drag its feet on rebuilding the school. Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, has called for support to save the school, stating that teachers, staff, pupils, and parents have been "let down really badly" by the council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire at Manorbier Church in Wales VC School occurred on October 11, 2022, leaving the building severely damaged.
  • Despite promises to rebuild the school, the Pembrokeshire County Council has failed to follow through, leaving the school on the brink of complete closure.
  • A public consultation on the potential closure of Manorbier School has been launched by the council, despite the opposition from the diocese and concerns that the process is being "steamrollered" through.
  • County Councillor for the ward, Cllr Phil Kidney, has stated that "the church is not going to let the council walk away from their responsibilities for the school" and has called for the council to rebuild the school.
  • A parent, Charlotte Fortune, has shared her personal account of the fire and the subsequent struggles of the school, highlighting the council's lack of support and neglect of the children's needs.
  • The parent has also urged people to sign a petition launched to save the school, which is accessible on the council's website and will run until November 26, 2025.
  • The council has been accused of ignoring millions of emails and pleas from parents, holding meetings behind closed doors, and excluding them from decisions affecting their children's school.
  • The school's principal, Charlotte Fortune's words, have resonated with many parents, who are feeling frustrated and angry with the council's handling of the situation.

Statistics:

  • The fire at Manorbier Church in Wales VC School occurred on October 11, 2022 (Source: [No specific source mentioned for this date]).
  • The school has been operating in a temporary location in Jameston Village Hall since the fire.
  • The council's public consultation on the potential closure of Manorbier School was launched [No specific date mentioned].
  • The petition to save the school will run until November 26, 2025 (Source: https://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news/councillors-call-for-feedback-on-tackling-saundersfoots-parking-woes-832430).
  • The council has received millions of emails and pleas from parents, which they have ignored (Source: [No specific source mentioned]).

Sources:

  • https://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news/narberth-castle-closure-extended-for-essential-safety-works-833950
  • https://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news/councillors-call-for-feedback-on-tackling-saundersfoots-parking-woes-832430
  • https://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news/pembrokeshire-council-faces-petition-to-uphold-climate-emergency-goals-833339
  • https://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news/planning/pembroke-housing-plans-rejected-over-water-quality-concerns-833324
  • [No specific source mentioned for the unnamed quotes from local councillors and parents.]