School protesters vow to go it alone (From Western Telegraph)

School protesters vow to go it alone

A North Pembrokeshire community could make history by setting up the country's first Welsh social enterprise co-operative voluntary-aided school.

Despite huge disappointment at losing a legal battle against Pembrokeshire County Council's plan to close Hermon school, parents remain determined to keep it open.

And they will hold a public meeting at the Blue Rock Community Festival at Llanfyrnach at 5pm on Saturday to discuss the next step.

The village lost its legal fight in the High Court in Cardiff on Friday. Pupils and parents shed tears after Justice Jack dismissed the application for a judicial review. He confirmed that the council had followed policy in issuing a closure notice for the 50-pupil school.

The authority also wants to shut Blaenffos and Crymych schools and build a campus for lifelong learning on the old Crymych site.

But Hermon's battle is not over. Campaigners have contacted Lowick School in Cumbria, which faced a similar fight.

Spokesman Cris Tomos said: "They worked with co-operative agencies to set up a social enterprise co-operative voluntary-aided school. This is a pioneering model and we have been in touch with them. We hope to receive guidelines about consultation and about the issue of a public strategy notice in time for our public meeting."

Mr Tomos said such a school could attract funding from the local authority for running costs, but capital works would have to be met by the co-operative.

The only block would be if the county council refused to allow them to use the school building.

If the co-operative goes ahead, the parents would look to attracting Assembly funding and setting up a venture similar to Pembrokeshire Lottery.

People would pay £1 per week - 14p a day - by direct debit, and there would be a money prize payout each month. "Our case has been given nationwide publicity and we raised £20,000 for a fighting fund. We would hope to get support from all over Wales for our co-operative," said Mr Tomos.

l The county council has welcomed the High Court decision. Leader Cllr John Davies said: "The authority has been totally vindicated. Mr Justice Jack was very clear and precise in his judgement saying the council's decision was right and lawful. He not only refused parents leave to appeal his decision, he also refused them a stay of execution.

"The council is now well advanced in its preparations for the building of the new school at Crymych, which will be available and ready for occupation by mid summer 2005.

"When finished it will be less than two miles from Hermon school and only a few minutes away by car. It will also have an integrated children's centre, which will provide excellent facilities for all the children of the area in the future.

He added: "Ysgol y Frenni will be operational from September from the three current sites in Hermon, Blaenffos and Crymych. Pupils and staff will unite on the site of the new school in just over 12 months."

Hermon School has 50 pupils, but also has 20 children in Cylch Meithrin, the Welsh nursery group and 12 in the Mothers' and Toddlers' group.

"This means that 82 children are receiving education in the school," said Cris Tomos. "We also have a growing village with more and more houses being built and a growing Welsh speaking community. This was conveyed to the county council but just ignored."