PARENTS fighting to save their village school from closure staged a bed push to raise funds and awareness of their campaign.

Beulah School 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.

The bed push last Saturday (October 6) started out from Parc Teifi industrial park on the outskirts of Cardigan and went through Llechryd and Cenarth before finishing in Newcastle Emlyn.

Parent carol Pickover said: "The bed push went really well and was supported by parents, teachers, current pupils, as well as ex-pupils which shows how much the school means to those who are either currently connected or have had past connections to Beulah.

“People were stopping their cars to donate as well as coming out of their houses and businesses on route to offer support and give us money. The generosity and support we received from the general public continues to be overwhelming."

Children currently attending Beulah have been very keen to have their voices heard, writing letters to be included in the final documents we will be sending to the council and Welsh Assembly as part of the consultation process.

“Saturday gave them the chance to show the public too how much they want their school to remain open,” added Carol

Ceredigion council’s consultation process on Beulah and Trewen runs until November 7.

Cabinet Member responsible for learning services, Cllr Catrin Miles, said: “While the Welsh Government sets the overall policy and legislative framework for school organisation, councils have a responsibility for the planning and management of school places and must secure efficient provision so as to focus resources on improving education outcomes for young people.

“It is essential we consult fully on the proposals to cease education provision at Beulah and Trewen Primary Schools.

“There was careful consideration of the relevant factors of education in the area by the Schools Review Panel and Cabinet to ensure the sustainability of the educational provision in Ceredigion for the future. This is now the opportunity for the local communities to comment on the proposals.”

Full consideration has been included in the consultations to comply with the requirements of the updated Welsh Government School Organisation Code which comes into force on November 1.

Arrangements will be made to consult with pupils, including those of any affected schools. The information provided will be presented in such a way that is relevant to their age and level of understanding.

The consultation papers can be seen on ceredigion.gov.uk/consultations. Views can be expressed or further questions asked, by either completing the response form at the end of the document or in writing to: school.reviews@ceredigion.gov.uk or Ceredigion County Council, School Services, 2nd Floor, Canolfan Rheidol, Rhodfa Padarn, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3UE. Respondents can call 01545 570881 for a paper copy.

A consultation report will be presented to cabinet for decision on the proposals on December 18. If a decision is to be made to cease provision at the schools, there would be a statutory notice open for objections in January. The full council will make any further decisions after the consultation process.