THERE was an eleventh hour u-turn in today’s extraordinary meeting about secondary education as hundreds of protestors gathered outside County Hall.

Members were due to vote on proposals to send the recommendation to discontinue Ysgol Dewi Sant, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Sir Thomas Picton, Tasker Milward and Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Cleddau out to statutory consultation.

But the leader, Councillor Jamie Adams made a last minute amendment, which would see Ysgol Dewi Sant and Ysgol Bro Gwaun retained for 11-16 year olds, with sixth form provision provided at Pembrokeshire College.

 Cllr Adams said: “There is some clear thinking behind it. It’s about educating the children as close as we possibly can to their homes and their communities. But it’s also about recognising that we must raise standards and provide options that children require to make successful futures for themselves.”

The amendment was welcomed by a packed public gallery and St Davids Cllr David Lloyd. He said: “I am gracious enough to thank the leader for his change of heart.

“I had come here today to oppose the published recommendations, backed by a wonderful army of parents and children, to whom I pay considerable tribute.”

Concerns were raised from members about the future of sixth form provision, as well a change of catchment areas for the feeder schools.

Llangwm Cllr Michael John said: “In this proposal, pupils leaving Cleddau Reach will move from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven. I have nothing against Milford Haven, but I was educated in Haverfordwest and everyone in my area was educated in Haverfordwest.

“The last few months I have been extolling the virtues of a new purpose built school in Haverfordwest, where they all thought they would be going.

“This really is a backwards step for people in my area.”

For full coverage of today’s meeting, see next week’s Western Telegraph.