LLANDOVERY is set to gain a super primary school as plans to move Ysgol Rhys Prichard into the former Ysgol Pantycelyn site have been given the go-ahead.

The town's secondary school was closed earlier this year after its final pupils moved to the new multi-million pound Ysgol Bro Dinefwr in Ffairfach.

Llandovery county councillor, residents, campaign groups and town councillors have all expressed concern over the future of Ysgol Pantycelyn, which houses one of the biggest school halls in the county.

Chief Executive Mark James had previously met with Noel Jones, head teacher of Ysgol Rhys Prichard along with County Councillor Ivor Jackson and chair of the campaign group Future of Pantycelyn Handel Davies, to try and thrash out a deal that would secure the future of Pantycelyn and transform the future of education in the town.

The South Wales Guardian revealed back in February that the chief executive had given his initial backing and just last week the county's Executive Board decided to approve the move.

Cllr Ivor Jackson has said how delighted he is by the news.

He said: "This is wonderful news for Llandovery and the whole district. A super school like this will be able to accommodate more pupils and, hopefully, attract more people into the town.

"I have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes and it is brilliant to see it finally happening.

"Whoever buys Ysgol Rhys Prichard I am sure it is going to be great for the town and its economic future.

"We needed a boost and this is just what the town needs."

Handel Davies, who took over as chairman of the campaign group last October, said he is happy to see the sight not going to waste.

"This will be great for the community. It was sad to see Ysgol Pantycelyn close but it is fantastic to see the town set to gain a super primary school for the area.

"The school itself has so much to offer with fantastic leisure facilities for the pupils.

"Initially it was thought we would have to wait until the sale of the primary school, which could have been a hiccup. But my thanks must go to the county council for stepping in which means the town will have its new school sooner rather than later. "

A statement from Carmarthenshire county council said: "The Executive Board has been made aware of all the discussions which have already taken place in the community and the provisional work officers of the council have done with community leaders and the local county councillor.

"We requested a formal report from officers, which we have now considered and agreed that the move from Ysgol Rhys Pritchard to a partly refurbished Ysgol Pantycelyn, should proceed.

"Officers will now be meeting with the school and the local community representatives, including the local County Councillor to discuss the refurbishment of the secondary school premises.

"Officers have also been asked to proceed with the sale of the Ysgol Rhys Pritchard site.”

Education executive board member Cllr Gareth Jones added: “The move for Ysgol Rhys Pritchard to Pantycelyn is very positive and is something that will provide far better accommodation and facilities for pupils.

“Our Modernising Education Programme continues to benefit thousands of children across the county.”