Challenges to pandemic consultation in Anglesey

Campaigners fighting the closure of an Anglesey primary school say consultation on its future shouldn’t happen during pandemic

During a time where everything is virtual, campaigners fighting to save Ysgol Talwrn, Llangefni, from closure feel as though their voices are not being heard due to pandemic restrictions.

At a virtual meeting held by Rhun ap Iorwerth, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, campaigners expressed serious concerns that the restrictions in place due to Covid-19 have hindered their ability to oppose the plans effectively.

They have called on the local authority to postpone the consultation process until they can object to the proposals fully and fairly.

The plans would see Ysgol Talwrn close, with pupils transferred to Ysgol y Graig in Llangefni, which would be expanded to accommodate additional pupils.

Last week, the Council’s statutory consultation period came to a close, but campaigners claim that the system has not been open enough, and that plans are being pushed through at a time where children are being taught from home and groups cannot meet in person to raise their concerns fully.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “At a time where we’re very limited in what can be done to oppose the proposed closure of Ysgol Talwrn, campaigners have contacted me desperate for a fair opportunity to have their voices to be heard.

Mr ap Iorwerth has previously written to the Council to ask that they delay the plans until we are the other side of the pandemic, but was told that the process can’t be delayed forever.

He added: “Whilst I appreciate that the Council must deal with matters other than Covid-19, here we have a community unable to fully engage in the consultation process – they can’t meet face to face, they tell me that covid restrictions, coupled with poor internet connection for many, has hindered their ability to meet virtually, and as a result they feel like a community ‘on mute’.”

This is the latest in a series of consultations on the future of Ysgol Talwrn, with the Anglesey council already having postponed the current process since March 2020 as a result of the pandemic.

Rachael Jones, a child minder from Talwrn said she believed the school should have a bright future: “The school has recently been ranked ‘Green’, the Cylch is busy and my small business is busy as a result.

“I am worried about the effect that closing the school will have on my business, but my real worry is for the impact it will have on our community.

“I know that some parents are not enrolling their children at the school due to the threat of closure.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth added: “Repeated consultations are bound to leave scars on a community, and the fact that opportunities to make the community’s voice heard are currently so limited adds to the feelings of unfairness.

“I will continue to call on the Council to consider every option open to them, and will be writing to them again following this meeting to express the depth of feeling.”

Article originally appeared on North Wales Chronicle

The Institute cannot confirm the accuracy of this story or confirm that it presents a balanced view. If you feel this is inaccurate we would welcome your perspective and evidence that this is the case

Shopping Basket
Scroll to Top

Your membership questions answered

View our frequently asked questions or contact our dedicated account manager for further support.

You can reset your password here. If you’re still having issues, please send us a message below.

We have many ways you can pay for your membership.

  • Credit card
  • Online
  • Invoice
  • PO
  • Monthly

You can renew/upgrade your membership here.

To find out more, send us a message below.

You will receive a reminder email from our dedicated membership account manager 4 weeks before your renewal date. This email will contain all the information you need to renew.

You can also renew your membership online here.

You can update your contact details here. Alternatively, please send a message to our membership account manager below.

Please send a message to our membership account manager below. 

Still need support?

Our dedicated Membership Account Manager is on
hand to assist with any questions you might have.

Request a callback

Leave a message and our team will call you back

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

Send us a message

We’ll be in touch with you soon.

Name(Required)
Email(Required)