Pembrokeshire council has voted to permanently close Manorbier Church in Wales VC School, a fire-ravaged primary school in the village of Manorbier, despite more than 1,500 people signing a petition opposing the decision. Councillors who backed the closure have been accused of handling the situation "appallingly."
Fire and temporary schooling
The school site was severely damaged by a fire that broke out in the roof space in 2022. Following the blaze, a temporary ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston village hall to continue education for the pupils.
Council vote and opposition
Deputy council leader and education cabinet member Paul Miller (Labour) presented a report proposing the school be permanently discontinued. Councillors supported the motion by a majority of 30 votes to 23, with four abstentions.
Manorbier and Penally independent councillor Phil Kidney, a staunch supporter of keeping the school open, said: "We’ve all let these people down. The way this council has handled this situation is appalling. From day one not one of the executives came up to see these children, no-one came out. If that was Haverfordwest or Tenby they’d be all over the place."
Mr Kidney also criticised the consultation report, noting that it mentioned St Florence – the alternative school for pupils – more than Manorbier, describing it as “like a brochure for St Florence.”
Calls for independent investigation
Mr Kidney has filed a motion proposing a "full impartial investigation into the process of closing Manorbier school, specifically the time it has taken, broken promises, inadequate insurance, and the involvement of HR department." He wrote: "A full impartial review should hopefully stop another school being treated so appallingly."
He also questioned the education cabinet member: "Would the cabinet member for education like to apologise to the staff and parents of Manorbier school for his comments at the last council meeting where he stated children would get a better education in St Florence and children in Manorbier were being taught in one room? This is both factually wrong and insulting to staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide teaching of an excellent standard, and if he had taken the time to read the last Estyn report he may not have made these derogatory comments."
Council response
Mr Miller said his only consideration was “the future welfare of the children,” adding: “I do not think 20 children educated in a welfare centre in Jameston is the best for them.”
The motion calling for an investigation and the question to the cabinet member will be heard by councillors next week.
