Anglesey primary school closures could be put on hold

Plans to close a number of primary schools on Anglesey could be put on hold after concerns were raised about the decision-making process.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams is considering a complaint about closure plans for Ysgol Gymuned Bodffordd.

Senior officers are recommending council leaders cancel two other school closures and reconsider the decisions.

Ysgol Gynradd Beaumaris and Ysgol Talwrn would then be subject to new rules protecting rural schools.

Council bosses have insisted they followed the proper procedure in deciding to close the school in Bodffordd, and merge it with Ysgol Corn Hir in brand new premises.

But all three projects are now on hold pending a decision by senior councillors later this month on whether to re-run the process.

Very challenging

A spokesman for Anglesey council said: "The recommendation comes after a recent internal review of the statutory consultation process highlighted concerns regarding compliance with the School Organisation Code (Welsh Government) 2013.

"If executive members agree to rescind their previous decisions, any new statutory consultation process relating to the Llangefni and Seiriol areas would follow the requirements of the new School Organisation Code, published in November 2018."

Heulwen Roberts, a member of a campaign to keep Ysgol Talwrn open , it was "embarrassing" for the council to go back to the drawing board.

A recall petition has opened to decide if a Tory MP convicted for a false expenses claim will keep his seat.

Chris Davies tried to split the cost of photographs between two office budgets by faking invoices , when he could have claimed the amount by other means. Brecon and Radnorshire voters wanting to sign the petition will be able to do so until Thursday 20 June in six locations in the constituency. A by-election will be held if 10% of the electorate - 5,303 voters - sign. Mr Davies would be able to contest a by-election, if one takes place. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed the recall petition last month , after Mr Davies was given a community order of 50 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine, at Southwark Crown Court. In a statement, Mr Davies has apologised to his constituents for "making such an error", saying he very much hopes to continue serving Brecon and Radnorshire. Constituents can sign the petition at venues in Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Presteigne, Ysytradgynlais, Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell. Apart from Spring Bank ...

Lib Dems Propose New Bill to Protect Welsh Farmers

The Liberal Democrats have proposed new legislation to protect Welsh farmers from being undercut by food trade deals that do not meet the UK’s environment and animal welfare standards. The plans, set out in a private member’s bill from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Farron MP, would require the government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of any new trade deal on UK farmers, and guarantee that MPs had the final say on trade deals initiated by the government. This would include an assessment of the impact of new trade deals on farming communities in each region and nation of the UK. Farron’s Bill comes after concern was raised by farmers unions and the Welsh Liberal Democrats that the Government’s new trade deal with Australia will not include a Welsh-specific impact assessment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP Commenting on his...

Welsh Lib Dems voice support for Flintshire lagoon plan

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