There has been an angry reaction to news that a recommendation to ‘discontinue’ Manorbier VC School - left devastated by a fire back in 2022 - is to be put to a full meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council next week - with the Local Authority accused of showing a ‘staggering’ lack of understanding and communication over the facility’s future, to those it affects.

As part of their role in reviewing education provision in the Tenby area, members of the Local Authority’s ‘School Modernisation Working Group’ have made a recommendation to be considered by full council on Thursday, May 8, for statutory consultation to be commenced on the proposal, after considering the evidence on a ‘range of factors’.

The Council will at first be required to consult with the St David’s Diocese, with its subsequent response needing to be considered prior to approval to undertake general consultation.

Councillors had heard at the end of last year, that there would be hopes the school would be back open by April 2026, at a cost of around £2.6m to reinstate the facility.

However, that consideration now seeems up in the air.

The fire, which broke out on October 10, 2022, thankfully resulted in no injuries, but rendered the school building unusable.

In a remarkable show of resilience, staff and the local community rallied immediately, continuing lessons the next day, first in the village pub and then at Jameston Village Hall, where the school remains to this day.

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A report that is set to go before full council states: “There has been a 59.8% decline in the school’s pupil population during the period 2015-2025, with no indication that this will be significantly reversed during the next 5-6 years.

“This decline cannot be attributed wholly to the fire which occurred in October 2022, with a 30.7% decline from 2015 to 2022.

“In relation to the proposal for the discontinuation of Manorbier VC School, it is anticipated that the school’s catchment area would be subsumed into the catchment/s of one or more of its neighbouring schools.

“For example, subject to a decision for the school’s catchment to be wholly included as part of the catchment of St Florence VC School, or Tenby VC School, and subject to parental preference for all children on roll at Manorbier VC School to transfer to either of those schools.

“Discussions are close to concluding with insurers for a cash in lieu of repairs settlement, but it is reasonable to conclude that an insurance settlement would fall far short of the cost of reinstating the school.

“It is important to recognise that a decision to reinstate the building to enable the school to return operationally will require capital investment and that this will need to adhere to the governance arrangements in the Council’s Capital Strategy.

Members of the community have reacted angrily online to the news: “After such a catastrophic event the teachers at Manorbier School have worked so hard to create an amazing environment at their temporary school - Jameston Village Hall. But even there they have had to fight for resources and support,” stated one person.

“All the while being constantly told to be patient and wait for the rebuilding process to start.

“Well we are now two-and-a-half years down the road and yet another hurdle has been placed in the way of the parents, children, teachers and wider community of Manorbier and Jameston!

“The lack of understanding, communication and sense of urgency from PCC is staggering.

“How on earth can they now be considering closing a school that - through no fault of their own - does not even have a building? ”

Another stated: “Do the right thing PCC! The children of Manorbier need this school!

“New Social housing already in Manorbier and coming in Jameston. Proximity to the Station already there to comply with the Transportation Programs highlighted by the WAG and the new Community Hall in Manorbier. Don't let our younger generation down please!”

Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz commented: “Having met with the staff and pupils of Manorbier School on several occasions since the devastating fire, I have been deeply impressed by their resilience and unwavering commitment to continue teaching and learning under such challenging circumstances at Jameston Village Hall.

“The forthcoming recommendation will be difficult for staff and the wider school community. Alongside local county councillor Phil Kidney, I have strongly advocated for the school to be rebuilt.

“All attention now turns to the Council as we await their decision.”

Pembrokeshire County Council has been asked to comment.