Member of the Welsh Parliament slams plans for more consultation over a new superschool in Flintshire

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Fflint Wrexham, says he is angry that parents’ voices are being ignored.

Mr Rowlands, who has been instrumental in campaigning on behalf of the objectors and has been running his own petition against the proposals, has hit out at the latest move by Flintshire County Council.

The Council’s cabinet have voted to consult again over the controversial plans to close St David’s Catholic Primary School in Mold, St Anthony’s in Saltney,  St Mary’s in Flint and St Richard Gwyn High School in Flint and build a £55 million superschool for pupils aged 3-18 on the site of St Richard Gwyn.

He said:

“I cannot believe that despite the huge numbers who have objected to this proposal some councillors still won’t listen to public opinion.

“I am still receiving emails from members of the public who remain extremely worried as Flintshire Council refused to accept the feedback of the previous consultation in the Summer which showed that over 95% of parents are against the controversial move.

“It is astonishing to see councillors, who are supposed to represent their communities, totally ignoring the public’s views on this matter.

“I remain vehemently against these plans as I am a firm believer in keeping schools local and I do not think merging four local schools into one superschool is the right way forward. St Anthony’s, for example, has been part of the Saltney community for over 150 years and provides education grounded in Christian values.

“I remain extremely worried that these controversial plans will go ahead despite overwhelming public opposition. I also9 share the concern of parents over the proposed closure of both Saltney Ferry and Saltney Wood Memorial Primary School to amalgamate both schools for a new 3-11 community primary school.

“I would urge everyone against these proposals to make sure they once again share their views when the consultation goes live.”

Pictured - Sam Rowlands MS for North Wales with protestors at St David’s RC School in Mold.