The Church in Wales is calling on people to object the proposed closure of Castle Caereinion Primary School.

This week, Powys County Council published a statutory notice proposing to "discontinue" the church school from August 31, 2022.

“Anyone can formally object and it’s really important that people make their views known now," said Interim Director of Education for the Diocese of St Asaph, Heather Loveridge.

“As a diocese, we believe that parents should be able to choose a church school education for their children and having local provision is very important. We will be submitting our objection to the statutory notice accordingly.”

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A seven-week consultation on the closure of the school was recommended for approval by the county council's cabinet on July 13.

The closure is one of a number of small village schools set to be axed as part of the council's "ambitious and exciting" Transforming Education strategy.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: "The decision to continue with this proposal has not been reached lightly. Not only has it been robustly challenged by senior leaders within the council at every step, but it has been developed with the best interest of the learners, who have been at the forefront of our discussions and decision-making."

The council said there will be a 28-day 'Objection Period' for those who object to the proposal to send their objections to the council.

Castle Caereinion School reopened after the summer holidays with a new interim headteacher, Angela Jones, who will lead the school over the next academic year.

Heather added: “Our 51 diocesan church schools, across north-east and mid Wales, are inclusive by nature, welcoming children from families of all faiths and none, while recognising that faith is something that shapes people’s lives.

“Church schools are committed to celebrating the rich heritage of faith, language and culture in Wales and provide a natural point of community focus, supported by a network of clergy and churches across Wales. Preserving the choice for parents of a church school education for their children is therefore very important.”

The closing date to formally object is October 7. Objections should be sent to Lynette Lovell, Interim Chief Education Officer, Powys County Council, Powys County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG or by email to school.organisation@powys.gov.uk.