THE future of Beulah playing field could hang in the balance if plans to close Beulah school next July go ahead.

Parents are fighting to keep open the 100-year-old village school, which is under threat of closure following a review of primary school education in the area carried out by Ceredigion County Council.

The school’s future, along with that at neighbouring Trewen, is currently under consultation.

And now it has been revealed that if Beulah School closes, it could also affect the playing field.

Campaigners wrote to Ceredigion asking for guarantees but in reply were told: “One half of the playing field is subject to a lease to the Community Council which is in place until 2026. If the decision at the end of the consultation period is to close the school, a further consultation will be undertaken by the estates department of the local authority with the local community with regards the future of the park.”

Parent Carol Pickover said: “Historically, Beulah school has paid for the grass cutting costs of the park, together with the maintenance costs of the wooden play equipment close to the school boundary.

“The school was instrumental in the acquisition of this play equipment in the park which was donated by Ray Ceredigion through EU funding.

“The school children also helped to plant the willow den located near the back of the playing field, developed the wild patch to encourage wildlife to the park and developed the log circle Cylch Coed currently used as an outdoor classroom by the school.”

The formal consultation process regarding the school has now started and will last until early November and parents and those in the area keen to see it survive are being urged to send in their views to the county council.

“During this period the local community, together with those closely associated with the school will have a chance to raise their concerns and comments regarding the potential closure of Beulah school,” added Carol.

The school’s fund-raising campaign continues with a bingo night at Helyg Fach caravan park on Saturday, September 29 at 6pm. Top prizes include £100 Argos voucher and a meal for 2 at Helyg Fach, plus there will be a guess the weight of the cake competition and fancy dress competition for the children.