Four-year-old protester asks ‘Where is our school for our poor little Millie?’

A FOUR-year-old boy who stood on the steps of County Hall during a demonstration over the decision made by Carmarthenshire County Council to scrap plans for a new facility for Ysgol Heol Goffa asked a profound question which could only have come from the mouths of babes. Surrounded by a large number of protesters and politicians including Dame Nia Griffith MP, 4-year-old William Hyde asked “Where is our school for our poor little Millie?”

Protesters included representatives from Unison, parents, children, grandparents and a variety of councillors opposed to the decision. As councillors arrived for a scheduled meeting, protesters shouted out “Where’s our school?” “Shame on you,” “Shame on CCC,” and “Keep your promises.” It was noticeable that those councillors did not enter County Hall via the main entrance where the protesters had gathered, but rather made their way around the building to a side entrance.

There was a significant presence of media and press organisations including ITV and the BBC such is the interest and emotional connection with the community of Llanelli and Carmarthenshire. Heol Goffa has a long and credible history of providing exceptional care and education for children with additional learning needs who often have to travel long distances to get to one of the main providers of ALN education in the count.

It was evident from the comments of parents, teachers and governors that they feel betrayed and let down by the very people who use their hard earned wages to fund projects the protesters claim are either vanity projects or unnecessary in the grand scale of things at the cost of cuts and lack of investment in key areas and such important facilities as Ysgol Heol Goffa. One parent remarked “They seem to be able to find plenty of money to invest in super schools, promoting the Welsh Language while our children with ALN sit in dilapidated classrooms where the saving grace is the love and care shown to the children by such dedicated staff who deserve far better but now are resigned to the reality which is a broken promise, shattered dreams and bitter disappointment for the community of Heol Goffa.”

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