Charlie Evans, Conservative candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, is to hold a public meeting online over Gwynedd Council's plans to close Ysgol Abersoch. It will also be an opportunity for residents of Abersoch and Aberdaron to talk about other issues.
Mr Evans said, "I am very concerned about the proposed school closure of Ysgol Abersoch by the Plaid Cymru-run Gwynedd County Council. It is the latest example of the Council's policy of closing rural schools.
"My plan for Dwyfor Meirionnydd is to see new opportunities created within the constituency. I want to see people grow their families here. I want to see local communities thrive. Schools are at the centre of that strategy. Rural school decline is not inevitable and it is yet another school to close on the Llyn."
Ysgol Llanaehaern was the last school to close on the Llyn Penisula at the end of the last academic year but it follows years of rural school restructuring in Gwynedd.
Mr Evans continued: "Plaid-run Gwynedd Council highlights the costs per head to run the school versus the average cost. That however ignores the fact that town schools will always be less costly to run per pupil. If that is their basis for their decisions, then we are just going to see more rural schools close. This is not fair.
"This is a decision that only looks at the short-term cost implications, failing to recognise the social and cultural benefits of promoting the Welsh language, as well as making the regeneration of rural communities that much harder.
"I welcome anyone with concerns to attend my meeting and encourage all to participate in Gwynedd's Council formal consultation process. I would like to thank Cymdeithas yr Iaith's efforts in extending the consultation window."
The meeting will be held over Zoom at 7pm this coming Thursday. Full details can be found at charlieevans.wales/events/abersoch.
