THE names for Haverfordwest’s two new schools was given the official seal of approval from council Cabinet today (Monday).

Further consultation had been requested of temporary governors in November about names suggested for the schools following some public backlash.

The new names chosen – Ysgol Caer Elen for the new Welsh medium (3-16) school and Haverfordwest High VC School for the English medium 11 to 19 school – have now found favour with cabinet members.

Cabinet member for education Cllr David Lloyd said the temporary governing bodies chose the name Ysgol Caer Elen, which he added was reference to Welsh princess Elen who married a Roman emperor in the Mabinogion, adding that it was said to be have been the name for Haverfordwest before Norman times.

He told the meeting on January 8 that there had not been “wide support” for the previously suggested name for the English medium school, Haverfordia despite that’s historic links.

“Haverfordwest High VC School, will inevitably be shortened to Haverfordwest High, meets with my approval and more widely across the town,” said Cllr Lloyd.

“As a cabinet we were criticised because of not making a decision but I think that was the right decision. I congratulate the chair of governors Tegryn Jones and Paul Lucus who have come to us now with a name honourable to both schools.”

Both schools undertook further discussion with parents and residents, including setting up Facebook pages to survey potential names – with around 400 having their say on the English medium school suggestion - while also asking for suggestions.

Following consideration new names were put forward by both governing bodies to be discussed by cabinet.

All cabinet members voted in favour of the recommendation that the names chosen for the schools by their temporary governing bodies be approved, along with previously agreed Instruments of Governments.

These include the number of governors at each school - 21 at the English medium and 20 at the Welsh - and regulations to be followed.