Gwenda Thomas

Gwenda Thomas, AM for Neath, will today be submitting a petition against the closure of YGGD Y Glyn to the petitions committee of the National Assembly for Wales.

Mrs Thomas said: “I am proud to offer my wholehearted support to the campaign to keep the school open.”

The petition was organised by local parent Mrs Anna Wright and presented to the AM by Daniel Wright and Cati Lloyd, both pupils at Y Glyn. Cllr. Arwyn Woolcock, the Councillor for Lower Brynamman, thanked Mrs Wright for her sterling work in collecting the signatures.

Cllr. Woolcock said: “The number of names on this petition shows the real strength of feeling in the village. People are proud of the school and recognise how valuable it is to their local community.”

At the meeting with Mrs Thomas Mrs Wright explained the reasons for her determination to keep the school from closing.

“From my own experience I would rather a community school to a ‘super-school’ any day.”

“Before he came to Y Glyn my son was shy and withdrawn; since he has been attending the school he has blossomed. The small size of Y Glyn allows it to foster a supportive and nurturing atmosphere that has been instrumental in boosting Daniel’s confidence.”

“This school offers so much more than just primary education. I’ve personally benefitted from a self esteem course and a ‘Restart Course’ focussed on helping parents get back into work. They also offer weekly family learning sessions for parents who want to learn Welsh alongside their children.”

“I and the many other parents who either don’t drive or don’t have access to a car would find it impossible to take up these opportunities for personal development if they were transferred to Gwaun Cae Gurwen.”

“When I arrived in Lower Brynamman I knew practically no-one here. It is through Y Glyn that I have made friends and come to feel part of village life.”

Neath Port Talbot Council is currently consulting on the proposal to close the school and transfer the pupils to Gwaun Cae Gurwen.

Mrs Thomas said: “Mrs Wright’s comments demonstrate how much Lower Brynamman will irrevocably lose if the Council presses ahead with its plans. I would encourage any parents or residents with similar stories to contact the Local Authority to express their views. I hope the Director of Education will listen to opinions of the villagers and actively consider all alternatives to closure.”