AN ONLINE petition to save a Montgomeryshire primary school from shutting is closing in on 500 signatures.

Protesters against Powys County Council (PCC) plans to close Castle Caereinion Church in Wales School near Llanfair Caereinion set up a change.org petition last week, which had reached 461 signatures by Sunday (February 14).

Supporters of the school have described it as “worth its weight in gold” and say closing it would be akin to “ripping the heart” out of the community.

The county council confirmed on February 9 that a consultation over controversial plans to close Castle Caereinion, as well as three other rural schools in Powys, will go ahead. The petition quickly appeared to fight proposals.

We reported last week that parents and communities will be able to have their say from late February after PCC’s cabinet last Tuesday agreed to start the statutory process and consultation on the proposals.

The council also wants to close 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.

“We believe it will give our learners the best possible start they deserve,” said Councillor Phyl Davies, cabinet member for education and property.

But Castle Caereinion residents clearly disagree, with Suzan Williams saying: “This school is a lovely church school and the hub of the community.

“(Closing) it would be like ripping the heart out.”

Fellow petitioner Liz O’Brien added: “These smaller community schools are worth their weight in gold and should be kept open at all costs.

“They are building something special and should be encouraged, not closed.”

Paul Roberts started the petition and is encouraging people to make their feelings known, as opposers to council plans only have around 40 more days to appeal.

“Castle Caereinion Church in Wales School is at the heart of our community and is under threat of being closed by Powys County Council,” a statement on the petition page reads.

“Whilst we are aware that we are a relatively small school, we are a strong school and together with the wider community feel that our school is set for growth.

“We now have strong leadership in place, we have a growing, thriving village with proposed new build of 31 dwellings, some of these to encourage families which will undoubtedly raise school numbers.

“Our standards are constantly improving. We have superb outdoor learning space and large classrooms, ideal for the ‘New Curriculum for Wales’. Together with the community we share a strong church ethos. If the school closes, it will have a huge effect on the community such as the recreational hall, the church, the pre-school and other links that the school works closely with.

“Our firm view is that the local authority should allow the school sufficient time to embed the changes that have already been implemented and are showing success, notwithstanding Covid-19. The options given by the local authority are not acceptable.”

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/powys-county-council-save-castle-caereinion-ciw-primary-school.