FUTURE reports on a plan to merge two schools in Newtown need to take into account a  project which could see a mini-hospital built nearby.

A meeting of the Full Powys County Council has seen councillors broadly back the proposal to merge Ladywell Green Infant School (aged four to seven years) and Hafren Community Primary Junior School (seven to 11 years) by September 1, 2021.

Head of legal services, Clive Pinney, told member that they were there to “express a view” while the actual decision will be taken by cabinet in the new year.

In May, The Welsh Government announced that £2.5 million of funding has been made available for a health and well being project.

Part of this project would be to build a small or community hospital,  bringing health and social services together under one roof.

The area being earmarked for this development is The Park in Newtown near these schools.

Cllr Stephen Hayes, (Independent – Montgomery), said: “I’m very supportive of the proposal to merge the two schools, but I’m really concerned about what isn’t in the report.

“These schools sit right in the middle of the site of what is proposed to  be a health and well being campus. There is no recognition in this report that that is a case.

“When considering options for new school buildings they will have to be integrated with proposals for that site.”

Cllr Hayes wanted assurances that the report going to cabinet for a decision would recognise that this part of Newtown was being earmarked for the medical facility.

“We could be making this decision in total ignorance and isolation from what would be the most sizeable investment in Newtown and in health and welfare in Powys for many decades,” said Cllr Hayes.

Education portfolio holder, Cllr Phyl Davies (Conservative – Blaen Hafren), said; “What I have tried to make quite clear is that this is about the merger of the junior and infant school.

“North Powys Wellbeing are quite aware of the site and its constraints and the schools on that footprint.”

Cllr David Selby (Liberal Democrat – Newtown Central) said: “I’m happy with the consultation process that’s been carried out, it’s very clear that there is support for what is a logical and sensible move.

“All I would like is the assurance for the community is, the end result will be a new school building.

“One of the reasons these schools need to be amalgamated is because they are falling down and we clearly need a new school building.

Cllr Davies answered: “Yes, definitely that’s one of the reasons for the recommendation.

“This will allow us to access 21st centuries schools funding in order to improve school conditions.”

According to the report, the merger could save just under £132,000 for PCC.

The comments from full council will be included in an updated report to go to PCC cabinet for a decision at it’s next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2020.