A VILLAGE school which is set to close could be gifted to the community which fought to save it.

Ysgol Pontfadog in the Ceiriog Valley will shut its doors for the final time this summer after the last ditch legal bid to keep it open was unsuccessful.

The decision to consolidate the number of primary schools in the area from three down to two was taken by Wrexham Council at an emotionally charged meeting in August.

It came despite more than 1,300 objections against the move to send pupils to the dual language Ysgol Cynddelw two miles away.

However the local education authority, which cited dwindling pupil numbers as the main reason for the changes, is said to be considering the possibility of giving the building and surrounding land to the community.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Ysgol Pontfadog.

The development has been revealed by Glyntraian Community Council which is now looking to explore options for its future use by holding a consultation.

In a statement posted on Facebook, community councillors said: “Following a meeting with Glyntraian Community Council, Wrexham Council leader, Cllr Mark Pritchard and education portfolio holder, Cllr Phil Wynn, indicated Wrexham Council is willing to consider gifting the school and grounds to the local community in the long-term.

“Glyntraian Community Council is committed to undertaking a robust and wide-ranging public consultation to gather ideas from as many people in the local community as possible interested in the future use and/or development of the school site.

“All ideas for a community-led initiative to ensure the site is for the wider benefit of the community will underpin the consultation process.”

The community council will hold its first consultation event at Ysgol Pontfadog on Thursday, April 11, at 7.30pm. Campaigners previously launched an appeal to keep the school open, but despite a four-and-a-half hour court hearing in Cardiff last month, the challenge was unsuccessful.

The closure is expected to save Wrexham Council almost £100,000.

Anyone who wishes to receive further information about the consultation should contact the community council by e-mailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk.

Wrexham Council has been approached for comment.