At a packed public meeting held by local MP Alun Cairns, parents voiced their anger and frustration at the Vale Council for their handling of the closure Y Bont Faen to Key Stage 2 pupils.
A public meeting was held at United Free Church on Friday 20th May and was attended by over 50 people. Local Councillors, School Governors and the local MP Alun Cairns were all present to chair the meeting and listen to concerns over safety and child welfare.
Alun Cairns commented, ‘I called this meeting having been contacted by a number of distressed parents regarding the safety challenges at Y Bont Faen. I could sense the anger and frustration directed towards the Vale for how this dangerous situation has come about.
The school staff and Governors have done all they can to minimise disruption to pupils learning, who were left by the Vale Council to source alternative locations for learning themselves. The Vale Council need to take more accountability for their actions and keep staff, pupils, and parents updated of the current situation. I invited the Council to ask a representative to attend the meeting, but they declined.
I have therefore written to the Health and Safety Executive to call on them to do an urgent site review. I’ve asked the Council to review the current school arrangements for those affected, and I’ve asked for a specific schedule to be published confirming details of the work that is necessary, along with specific timelines. Children’s safety must be paramount and the Council must ensure a safe return to school.”
The school was shut to KS2 pupils last week following major safety concerns after ceiling tiles fell in a classroom narrowly missing a school visitor.
Pupils in Year 4,5 and 6 have been located 13 miles away at Rhoose, South Point Primary. The Vale Council have told parents that repairs could take up to 16 weeks. Cowbridge Comprehensive, following contact from local councillors have stated that they are at maximum capacity “in terms of health and safety, access and management of the school site.”
Newly elected Cowbridge Councillor Charles Champion commented, ‘I have been working very closely with the school and the Governors to understand the safety issues at hand. Myself, and Cllrs Nick Wood and Robert Fisher have been in constant communication with the Council to call on them for action. The public meeting was great to better understand the views and concerns of parents and it was massively disappointing to see that the Vale Council declined to attend. If parents or staff have any concerns moving forward please contact us.'
