Lib Dems reject sixth form closure

11.36.02am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Jun 2009

Merthyr Tydfil Liberal Democrats have voted against plans to close local sixth forms. The plan was pushed through by Labour and Independent councillors, despite a potential £20m hole in the funding.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil, Cllr Amy Kitcher, said "This is a very sad decision for our schools and for children in Merthyr. This plan is driven by an offer of funding which won't even cover the bills - and our borough's children have been put second. Sadly it seems some councillors have been blinded by the promise of a new building and have not looked at the detail of the proposal.

"I am worried about what will happen to the overall quality of our schools if their sixth forms are removed and whether children currently served by the sixth forms could be catered for in a tertiary college. Major questions like these have still not been answered."

As well as the serious educational questions, the funding for this project is highly questionable. The new college could be funded by the Welsh Assembly, but the council would have to find the money for a new bridge over the Taff and a new car park. These together could cost anything up to around £20m.

Lib Dem group leader on Merthyr Tydfil Council, Kevin O'Connor, added "It is worrying that Labour and Independent councillors are happy to approve a project that has such a massive funding hole. In these difficult times, the council needs to tighten its belt. Instead, they are pushing forward with a plan that could leave the council picking up a multi-million pound tab."

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