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600 join schools closure protest 600 join schools closure protest
(about 1 hour later)
Around 600 people are staging a noisy protest in Caernarfon this lunchtime against plans to reorganise primary education in Gwynedd. Around 600 people staged a noisy protest in Caernarfon this lunchtime against plans to reorganise primary education in Gwynedd.
Parents from all over Gwynedd packed the streets outside the council offices in the town. Parents from all over Gwynedd packed the streets outside the council offices ahead of a council meeting.
The protesters were united in their condemnation of the plans to close 29 primary schools and join others together under one head teacher.The protesters were united in their condemnation of the plans to close 29 primary schools and join others together under one head teacher.
Councillors will decide the next stage of the reorganisation later. Councillors are deciding the next stage of the reorganisation plan.
The authority has put forward plans to close the schools because it says there has been a dramatic fall in pupil numbers over the last 20 years.The authority has put forward plans to close the schools because it says there has been a dramatic fall in pupil numbers over the last 20 years.
It also wants to build eight new area schools in a move which it has said will make the best use of facilities instead of keeping 2,400 empty places.It also wants to build eight new area schools in a move which it has said will make the best use of facilities instead of keeping 2,400 empty places.
But the plans, which will be discussed by all council members for the first time on Thursday, have provoked heavy criticismBut the plans, which will be discussed by all council members for the first time on Thursday, have provoked heavy criticism
Fierce opposition Federalisation is the thin end of the wedge Amanda Bristow, parent
But the scheme has met with fierce opposition from protesters campaigning for small school education.
Paul Connor, a governor at Ysgol Rhiwlas, said he did not want the school to close and his children to travel to school by bus.Paul Connor, a governor at Ysgol Rhiwlas, said he did not want the school to close and his children to travel to school by bus.
"Most children are now within walking distance," he said."Most children are now within walking distance," he said.
Aled Williams, from Ysgol y Garreg at Llanfrothen, said he had moved his children from a larger primary school so they could benefit from smaller classes.Aled Williams, from Ysgol y Garreg at Llanfrothen, said he had moved his children from a larger primary school so they could benefit from smaller classes.
"Their education has improved as a result," he said."Their education has improved as a result," he said.
The protesters gathered outside the council offices
Ysgol Baladeulyn in Nantlle has produced a CD which they plan to sell to fund a campaign to save their school.Ysgol Baladeulyn in Nantlle has produced a CD which they plan to sell to fund a campaign to save their school.
"My son has a fantastic education there," said Carys Owen."My son has a fantastic education there," said Carys Owen.
'Less pupils'
Not all the schools represented at the protest are earmarked for closure.Not all the schools represented at the protest are earmarked for closure.
Amanda Bristow's children attend Ysgol Brynaerau at Pontllyfni which is set to federalise with two other schools.Amanda Bristow's children attend Ysgol Brynaerau at Pontllyfni which is set to federalise with two other schools.
She said: "Federalisation is the thin end of the wedge, leaving the way open to close the smaller school."She said: "Federalisation is the thin end of the wedge, leaving the way open to close the smaller school."
The schools earmarked to close range from Ysgol Rhydyclafdy with four pupils to Ysgol Borth-y-gest, which has 80.The schools earmarked to close range from Ysgol Rhydyclafdy with four pupils to Ysgol Borth-y-gest, which has 80.
Local campaign groups are also concerned that school closures will leave the future of some villages in doubt.Local campaign groups are also concerned that school closures will leave the future of some villages in doubt.
There have been several smaller protests since the closures were announced in October including one on Wednesday where pupils from Ysgol y Clogau near Dolgellau, Gwynedd presented a 1,500 signature petition to their MP, Elfyn Llwyd.There have been several smaller protests since the closures were announced in October including one on Wednesday where pupils from Ysgol y Clogau near Dolgellau, Gwynedd presented a 1,500 signature petition to their MP, Elfyn Llwyd.
Parents have also lobbied councillors and other local politicians.Parents have also lobbied councillors and other local politicians.
Ysgol y Parc is the heart of the community say its supporters
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has offered its full support to the report before the council.
WLGA education spokesman John Davies, from Pembrokeshire, said: "This is a national issue that impacts on all of Wales' 22 councils, not just Gwynedd.
"The issue of surplus places in schools is not going away.
"Local authorities need to look for Wales-wide solutions that ensure the right number of educational facilities are in the right places," he added.