PARENTS and former pupils marched through Cwmgors on Friday vowing to fight the proposed closure of the village school.

The protest followed Neath Port Talbot Council’s decision to consider the future of Ysgol Cwmgors.

Should the school close, the 51 pupils will be transferred to neighbouring Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gwaun cae Gurwen by September 1.

Clare Jones, of Lon Belli Glas, fears closure would see sons Nicholas, five, and Callum, eight, suffer.

“When my eldest son Callum first came to Ysgol Cwmgors he had a speech impediment,” said Clare.

“Now, he is doing really well and that is down to the one-to-one supervision he receives from his teachers.

“My fear is if I am forced to send my sons to Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gwaun cae Gurwen they will be in a larger class and not get this much-needed attention.”

The consultation period will run till January 16.

Also opposed to the possible closure are former pupils and grandparents, 76-year-old Geoff Reed, and wife Yvonne aged 77, of Heol y Gors.

“It will be crying shame if they decide to close the school. The children and parents will be cut up if this is allowed to happen,” said Geoff.

“We have already lost the post office, the chapel and the only public house, if they close the school we will have nothing left.”

Yvonne worked at Ysgol Cwmgors for more than 30 years as a nursery nurse, her grandson Samuel, aged ten, is a current pupil.

“This school is a part of the village history, my whole family attended. I even met my husband here when I was just three years old.

“We accept times change and savings have to be made, but this is too much.

“I cannot find the words to say if they close the school, it just heartbreaking.”

Neath Port Talbot Councillor Linda Williams, has claimed that closing Ysgol Cwmgors would be like playing draughts with children of the Upper Amman Valley.

“I have received numerous calls and been stopped in the street by people expressing their sorrow at the possible closure,” said Cllr Williams.

“All I can do is reassure people that I am confident we will win this fight and keep the school open.”

“I would also like to stress that campaigners have organised a ‘coffee and a chat’ evening at the school, on Tuesday, November 4 at 6pm.

“The more support we get the better chance we have to save this wonderful school.”

A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesman has stated that the authority is constantly reviewing its school organisation programme.

All proposals regarding school reorganisation are subject to member approval and full consultation.