A consultation over controversial plans to close four rural schools in Powys will go ahead.

Parents and communities will be able to have their say from late February after Powys County Council' Cabinet today (Tuesday, February 9) agreed to start the statutory process and consultation on the proposals.

The council wants to close Castle Caereinon Church in Wales School, Churchstoke County Primary School, Llanbedr Church in Wales School and Llanfihangel Rhydithon County Primary School by the end of August 2022, with pupils transferring to their nearest alternative school.

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"We believe it will give our learners the best possible start they deserve," said Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property.

"However, as we start to implement it, we will be faced with significant decisions as we look to address some of the challenges facing education in Powys which include the high proportion of small schools in the county, decreasing pupil numbers and the high number of surplus places.

"These proposals have not been reached lightly but we have ensured that the best interest of the learners at these four schools were at the forefront of our discussions and decision-making.

"If these schools were to close, then the learners would be attending schools that would be better equipped to meet the requirements of the new national curriculum and that could provide a wider range of educational and extra-curricular opportunities."