POWYS’ education portfolio holder has hit back at the amount of Powys schools that continue to be closed following criticism his party “broke promises” to residents after basing their election campaigns on fighting to keep rural schools open.

At the Powys County Council (PCC) elections in May 2022, the Liberal Democrats overthrew the previous Conservatives-Independent regime and claimed 24 seats.

Many Lib Dem candidates campaigned on the controversial wave of school closures, with group leader James Gibson-Watt, saying in April 2022 that the Conservative education portfolio holder Phyl Davies had adopted a “wrecking-ball” approach to rural schools.

County Times: Cllr Pete Roberts said the administration remains committed to the delivery of education as close to the family home as viable. Cllr Pete Roberts said the administration remains committed to the delivery of education as close to the family home as viable.

But the Lib Dem-Labour coalition has seen five Powys primary schools shut their doors or recommended for closure.

They include Llanfihangel Rhydithon Community Primary School in Dolau, near Llandrindod Wells, which closed last summer after a long battle by the local community.

Llangedwyn Church in Wales Primary School, near Llanrhaeadr, will shut this August; Llanbedr Church in Wales Primary School, near Crickhowell, closed last August, having been announced in August 2022; and a judicial review to keep Brecon’s Cradoc School open has failed.

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Garth’s Irfon Valley Primary School, near Builth Wells, is expected to shut this August.

Elsewhere, proposals have highlighted that Ysgol Bro Cynllaith (Llansilin) and Brynhafren County Primary School (Crew Green) could face closure in the future.

Following the decision to recommend closure of Irfon Valley on January 23, Welsh Conservative leader Aled Davies criticised education chief Cllr Pete Roberts, the cabinet member for a learning Powys.

“Cabinet member closing another school, he is ‘frequently’ closing schools despite their pre-election pledge less than two years ago to fight school closures,” read Cllr Davies’ tweet.

Brecon and Radnorshire Tory MP Fay Jones replied with a picture of herself and Cllr Roberts, campaigning to save Cradoc School, adding: “Here’s me and that same Liberal Democrat cabinet member marching to save a school… the closure of which he is now overseeing.”

But Cllr Roberts said: “This administration remains committed to the delivery of education as close to the family home as viable.

“Of the schools you mention three had legally been closed before the administration took office.

“The implementation was merely delayed by judicial review and our further research failed to identify a reason within the terms of schools code for the decision to be reversed.

“I can't comment on the other schools you mention as these are still within the process and to comment could demonstrate predetermination.

County Times: Aled Davies criticised Cllr Pete Roberts' decision to close Irfon Valley School in Garth. Aled Davies criticised Cllr Pete Roberts' decision to close Irfon Valley School in Garth.

“What I can say is we remain committed to undertaking reviews on a catchment basis as we did with strong support from the school community in the Llanfyllin area.

“These aim to ensure changes are made with a holistic approach that determines the likely structure of education in a catchment for a generation.”

Labour’s Matthew Dorrance, deputy leader of the cabinet and cabinet member for a Fairer Powys, said: “Labour did not campaign against closing rural schools. 

“We recognise the need for change because our children and young people deserve the best we can give them.

“Labour councillors are focused on ensuring that our schools deliver the best learning outcomes and the best learning environments for young people in Powys.”

A spokesperson for PCC said the plans for Irfon Valley would "address the issue of low pupil numbers" and reduce surplus capacity.