How sad to learn that Powys County Council is threatening to close yet more rural schools.

They should understand that a “consultation” means to ask someone for permission or approval. However the last week’s County Times headline “Parents in uproar over village schools closure plans” sums up the mood of the local parents.

They do not wish their children to be making long journeys every day in a school bus.

John Brautigam had explained to the cabinet in September that the future waves of new school building would cost about £300 million and that Powys Council would have to pay 105 million, which means that the repayments would cost each household £435 per year.

So why not simply maintain the existing school buildings at a much lower cost and stop pretending that the council is acting in the best interests of the learners? The consultation process alone is hugely costly, and neither the schools nor the parents want to go through this unpleasant process.

Hopefully the schools will put their efforts in to supporting their local mother and toddler groups, and early year settings including reception classes in order to attract more early years children.

Otherwise perfectly viable pupil numbers in school will reduce because of the constant threats of closure.

Sadly Kirsty Williams is stepping down at the next elections.

She has been an excellent Education Minister and has removed the threat of closure locally for other similar rural schools. Ensure you ask for candidate’s commitment to support village schools, before you give anyone your vote in future.

I wish all these schools well for the future.

Our children deserve the best we can provide for them with their friends, making valuable relationships within their village communities, in a caring environment.

Helen Skipworth

Retired Primary School teacher