Llanfyllin school bus row: Four suspended governors consider appeal

The four LEA governors attached to Llanfyllin High School today expressed their shock following Powys County Council's decision to suspend them earlier this week.

Council officers also face a probe after an independent investigation showed they and the governors knew the school was going against council policy.

A joint statement, issued by the four LEA governors – Councillors Peter Lewis, Aled Davies, Darren Mayor and Gwynfor Thomas – said they will now weigh up what their options are as to what will be the best action for the school and wider community.

The statement reads: "We are shocked and amazed at the cabinet's decision.

"We completely refute the most serious charge of bringing the county council into disrepute as at all times we have been open and transparent with the council, its cabinet and officers.

"The interest of the school, the pupils and the community that we serve and who we represent has always been at the forefront of our actions. We are currently considering appealing what we regard to be a disproportionate action of the cabinet.

"We are reviewing our options and weighing up what will be in the best interests of the school and the community."

Powys County Council said the high school should not have offered subsidised buses to 149 pupils for whom Llanfyllin is not their nearest secondary school.

The council has since decided to allow the arrangement at Llanfyllin to continue for the next two years to give parents and pupils time to come to terms with the changes.

They will, however, have to pay the same transport costs as other out-of-catchment children pay in Powys – £120 a term rather than the £80 a term they currently pay. That will jump to more than £200 a term in two years' time.

In response to the local authority's decision to suspend the governors, Llanfyllin Town Council will be writing to the county opposing the action.