BUILDERS and contractors from Powys could be given work building schools in the county.

The demise of Swansea based construction company Dawnus, Welsh for talented, could benefit the “Powys Pound”.

Dawnus, which went into administration in March, had contracts by Powys County Council (PCC) to build three new schools in the county.

These included a 360-pupil English-medium primary school in Welshpool which is partly built.

It had been expected that the staff and pupils would move there for the new school year in September.

The second was for work converting the Grade II listed Maesydre school building into a 150-pupil Welsh-medium primary school. This is also in Welshpool.

The third project, for a new school building for an all through four to 18 school for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth, has also been affected.

But the last two projects are still at the planning stage.

A spokesman for PCC said: “The council’s priority is to appoint a main contractor to complete the scheme and to make sure that Powys-based contractors are involved.

“It has also taken immediate action to make sure the building is weather-proof by appointing a roofing contractor.

“A number of Powys-based contractors have expressed an interest in taking over the main contracts and the council is carrying out financial and commercial assessments of all those who have expressed an interest."

"Time-scales for completion will not be known until a main contractor has been appointed."

Plaid Cymru group leader Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Glantwymyn), vice-chairman of the Bro Hyddgen school governors in Machynlleth, has asked the cabinet to brief councillors at the next Full Council meeting, which takes place on Friday, May 3.

Cllr Vaughan said: “In view of the recent demise of Dawnus, it may be an idea to brief members again on the current situation regarding the company and the effect on Powys.

“I’m aware of obvious delays in Machynlleth for instance the effect on projects, timetables, financial, liabilities and if any monies were paid up front.”

Administrators from accountants Grant Thornton, have taken over Dawnus and have spoken with PCC.

They said that the Dawnus Group had struggled with a wide variety of challenges and despite significant efforts to turn the business around, it was not possible to rescue the group.