Ysgol Pantycelyn, Llandovery, judicial review refused

A judge has refused a legal challenge to plans to merge two secondary schools in Carmarthenshire, according to the county council.

Campaigners fighting to keep Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery had applied for a judicial review.

There are plans to merge the school with Tregib near Llandeilo and build a new school on a new site.

The Pantycelyn Action Group has asked for a hearing before a different judge to review the refusal.

That will take place on 8 March.

Although the council has secured £23.7m from the Welsh government for a replacement school, a number of parents, pupils and staff at Pantycelyn are opposed as it is likely the new school will be in Ffairfach near Llandeilo, about 15 miles away.

The council's executive board member for education Gwynne Wooldridge said while he welcomed the judge's ruling it was "disappointing the action group refuses to accept it."

The plans to merge the two schools are part of a wider shake-up of education in the Dinefwr area of Carmarthenshire.

Mr Wooldridge said the legal challenges were causing delays to the council's plans.