Ysgol Heol Goffa Campaigners stepping up the fight for new ALN school

The Ysgol Heol Goffa Action Group is urging the 9,000-plus people who backed their demand for Carmarthenshire Council to build a new school to lobby the council’s Plaid Cymru-led Cabinet before a crunch decision is made.

The school has been told one of six options will be chosen by the Cabinet before the end of June.

The action group, school governors, parents, Llanelli Town Council, and community leaders all want to see a ‘super’ Ysgol Heol Goffa built as soon as possible for up to 250 pupils to replace the existing outdated and dilapidated school, which currently educates 129 children.

It would provide places for an extra 120 or so ‘forgotten’ children with autistic spectrum conditions, who currently do not have an appropriate education.

The Plaid and  Independent county council coalition’s decision to ditch a seven-year promise to replace Ysgol Heol Goffa sparked a furious backlash when the surprise announcement was made last year.

The action group is urging all the school’s supporters to write, email or phone the county council Cabinet members to reverse what they call a ‘national scandal’ and come to the aid of Llanelli’s most vulnerable and disabled children.

Mum Becki Davies, who is vice-chair of the action group, said: ‘The cabinet will soon have a chance to put things right and build a new school for 250 children in desperate need in the Llanelli area.

‘I urge everyone who cares about the children’s future to write, email or phone the Cabinet members to impress upon them why a new school is so important to these children.

‘Please take the time out to support our loved ones. This may be our last opportunity to change hearts and minds.’

Llanelli town councillor Shaun Greaney, who represents the Lliedi ward, said: ‘The county council must place the needs of these children at the top of their priority list.

‘Plaid have so far cheated the children out of the school they were promised over seven years ago.

‘The children, their parents and families are pinning all their hopes on a council U-turn at the last-minute.

‘The children have one chance at an education and let’s hope people power can make the county council think again and choose option 5 for all 250 children.’

A free Family Fun Day will be held this Sunday, April 27, at Llanerch Hall, with entertainment, food, children’s cartoon characters including Pepper Pig, Iggle Piggle, and JJ.

Action group chair Hannah Coles said: ‘Please come along, have fun, and help us raise awareness for the future our children deserve.’