WELSH rugby star Dan Lydiate has shown his support for his closure-threatened former primary school.

Lydiate, 28, was educated at Llanbister Primary School and Llandrindod High School, both of which are marked for closure under Powys County Council’s (PCC) restructuring of schools. 

Dan’s elder brother, Jack Lydiate, has a daughter at the school and is also supporting the campaign. 

Dan, who captained Wales for the first time last weekend, said: “We both went to Llanbister when we moved here. I think Danny attended from 1995-99 and I was there from 1995-97. Both of us are fully behind the campaign. 

“It’s a lovely country school. My little girl is there and I have got another due to start. Looking at the numbers it’s only going to grow as a school.

“It is equally important for the community. Losing a pub or a school really does take something from an area and if it goes, there goes the community. 

“Danny’s fully behind the school. He asked the squad and they all signed the uniform. 

“Hopefully the council will listen to the facts put to them and reach the right decision. I know that the council are under a lot of strain. But hopefully they can sit down and come to the correct decision for them and us and other schools like Dolau and Nantmel.” 

On March 10, a public meeting was held in Llanbister with members of PCC attending to discuss the potential closure. 

Members of the community presented facts, figures and opinions to council officers. 

Rebecca Williams, of the Save Llanbister School group said: “It was a fully booked meeting. We had a local band singing at the end and I think we put our point across. A lot of work went in to getting the information we provided. I think we gave the council a lot to think about. 

“Everyone still has to put their thoughts in writing. For the council to consider an opposition they need to receive letters and emails.” 

On Wednesday, PCC announced an extension for the Llanbister consultation.

It was due to end on March 24 and has been extended to May 5.