CONCERN about the future of a major construction company could have huge implications for three school building projects in north Powys.

Swansea based firm, Dawnus (Welsh for talented) was given contracts by Powys County Council to build three new schools in the county.

They are a 360-pupil English-medium primary school and converting the Grade II listed Maesydre School building into a 150-pupil Welsh-medium primary school, both in Welshpool.

The third project is a new school building for the all through four to 18 school, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth.

Work on the English-medium school on land next to Welshpool High School is well underway with completion scheduled for this September.

A council spokesman said that the other two projects are still at the: “planning application stage with no work underway.”

Dawnus financial problems emerged in Manchester on Wednesday when sub-contractors downed tools on a road improvement scheme because they had not been paid.

This caused widespread disruption for drivers in the city.

Education portfolio holder, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander  (Independent Banwy), said: “The county council is aware of media reports commenting on the company’s financial position and is monitoring the situation closely.

“The council has not received any formal contact from the company.

“Dawnus is a key partner in a number of our school modernisation projects and we will be working to mitigate any potential issues which arise.”

At Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, headteacher Dafydd Jones had alerted governors to the problems, fearing that the project will not be completed by September 2020.

Plaid Cymru leader, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Glantwymyn), who is vice-chairman of the Bro Hyddgen School Governors, added: “This is very disappointing news and will inevitably cause further delays in the delivery of these important projects.

“In order to minimise those delays I’ll be asking Powys Council to take steps in inviting new contractors as soon as possible.

“And then proceed with all the relevant planning and statutory needs in order that the work can start immediately upon appointment of new contractors.”

The Local Democracy Service has asked Dawnus for a comment but has not received a response yet.