A WELSH Government minister is officially opening Tenby’s new primary school today - amid calls in the Senedd that she provides more money to address the building’s “scandalous” shortage of essential equipment and furniture.

As the Western Telegraph recently reported, the head teacher of the newly-built Tenby Church in Wales Primary School has appealed to the community for funding because “many important features and items” were omitted due to the building project budget being stretched.

The school was facing a “significant financial challenge”, head John Palmer said, lacking new furniture, not enough chairs to seat a large group of parents and outdoor play and PE equipment.

Welsh politicians have asked cabinet secretary for education, Kirsty Williams to give an update on the challenges facing the state-of-the-art school after she performs its opening ceremony today.

Assembly UKIP leader Neil Hamilton described the situation as “scandalous” and said that Ms Williams had to take the blame.

Added the mid and west Wales member: “This is definitely down to bad management and the cabinet secretary needs to put this right by making the necessary funds available.”

He made his comments during education questions in the Senedd yesterday (Wednesday), when Plaid Cymru AM Simon Thomas called for possible Welsh Government intervention.

The new school is part of an £8.5 million investment in education in Tenby under the 21st Century Schools Programme - a collaboration between Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government, who shared the funding.

Pembrokeshire County Council‘s cabinet member for education, Councillor David Lloyd, said: “On all new school projects, we undetake a legacy survey to ascertain what existing furniture and IT equipment can be re-used.

“In the case of Tenby, given budgetary pressures and existing furniture position, it was deemed prudent to re-use it in this case, but this is not to the deteriment of curriculum provision.

“Responses regarding other concerns over lack of equipmetn have already been given to the local members.

“It is hoped now that the opportunity is taken to celebrate the opening of the fabulous new facility at Tenby, and I remain committed to working with the new school to discuss any outstanding concerns they may have.”