Nick Bourne, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly and Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced he is backing parents, teachers and pupils in their fight to keep Pentlepoir School open. Pembrokeshire County Council wishes to close the school on August 31, 2007, and establish an area school in the Stepaside area. Nick Bourne said: "I am disappointed at the news that Pentlepoir School is scheduled to close next year. "Pentlepoir is an excellent school and a vital part of the local community. Schools such as this should be protected unless they are failing to deliver the national curriculum. "I understand the PTA is to appeal against the council's decision and I hope the education officers consider very carefully the implications of their proposal before any final decision is taken." As recently reported by the Observer, the recommendation of Pembrokeshire's director of education, Mr. Gerson Davies, following his review of education provision in the Tenby area, was to close Pentlepoir School next year, and this was accepted by the cabinet at their meeting last week. The school is set to close on August 31, 2007, with a view to establishing a new area school on the site of Stepaside School on September 1 next year. The move comes after a series of consultation meetings, with Mr. Davies's proposals outlining his plan to strengthen and develop primary education for all pupils in the area.
