Children are the Vale's best asset (From Penarth Times)

Children are the Vale's best asset

THE VERY fabric of schools in the Vale of Glamorgan is an issue that will be tackled head-on, according to the Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning.

Following the State of Vale Debate, which was held in Barry's Memorial Hall in May, the elected members for each of the five key areas discussed will be talking to the Times - last week we featured Cllr Mike Harvey who is in charge of economic regeneration.

Cllr Tony Hampton is responsible for education in the Vale. He said: "One problem we have in the Vale - and it's a problem experienced everywhere - is funding, especially with regard to school buildings.

"One development that has been an issue for some years is the merging of St Cyres into one main site, closing the Dinas Powys building.

This will release £250,000 every year which can be used in the maintenance of the Redlands Road buildings.

But we will not be doing anything until a suitable use can be found for the Murch site - we don't want it becoming disused and run-down."

With excellent reports from Iestyn inspectors, Cllr Hampton is sure that Penarth schools are functioning well.

He added: "We have had some very welcome results over this last year, and I think all the staff, governors and pupils should be proud.

"One thing I am disappointed about is the need to shut the Church in Wales school.

It only has 12 pupils, and eight members of staff. When it costs £141,000 to keep open, it cannot be done.

It's a shame, but we will be looking at relocating the staff rather than have them face redundancy."

The main development, considered the most important issue by Cllr Hampton and his Vale council colleagues, is the closing of the Dinas Powys site.

But he added: "What is important to remember is that our children are our finest assets, and we have to make sure they have a first class education."