ST DAVIDS city councillors welcomed the opportunity to take a tour of their old stomping grounds last week.

They were invited to Ysgol Dewi Sant by the acting headteacher David Haynes, who along with senior staff members, was keen to show off the school’s summer refurbishments.

The school reception has been transformed into a welcoming space with improved security into and out of the building, and the library, once in a small dark space, now occupies two light and airy rooms, complete with workshop area and sea views.

The librarian Lorraine Morris told the group that they are looking to phase out the old ticketing system and replace it with an electronic one, which would enable students to search for and reserve books online.

Other spaces to undergo major transformations are the covered garden, which is now a sheltered modern seating area, and the old P.E changing rooms, which are now fully equipped music rooms.

It is not only the students which have benefited from the work, the teachers have also welcomed a fully-refurbished staff room and work station, which was the former library.

Mr Haynes said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the work that’s happened over the summer holidays. It was a little bit nerve wracking the week before term trying to get everything ready, but we managed to do that. I’m delighted with the quality of the work and craftsmanship and I’m sure that the changes that have been made will have an impact on our children’s learning and outcomes.”

The Mayor of St Davids, Cllr Glenys James added: “On behalf of the city council I would like to thank Mr Haynes and his staff for letting us come up here to visit the school and see its refurbishments. It’s also been an opportunity for some of us to come back and look at somewhere we used to be.

“We are very grateful and we do support you. It’s a difficult time, but I’m sure with working together as a school and a community, we will see this issue close. It’s good to have an open book of what’s going on.”

Ysgol Dewi Sant’s performance, buildings and surplus places are currently being reviewed by Pembrokeshire County Council’s education department. A detailed report, outlining options and recommendations will be presented to the cabinet on November 11.