BLAENAU Gwent Council still wants residents’ views on primary school reorganisation in Six Bells as part of an informal consultation.

The council’s preferred option is to build a new community school on the former Six Bells colliery site as part of its 21st century schools programme.

The programme aims to improve the school estate across Blaenau Gwent to raise educational standards.

The new school would replace Bryngwyn and Queen Street Primary Schools, which the council says do not meet 21st century school standards.

The new community school would cater for 360 pupils (with an option for 420 places) and would also include provision for pupils with additional learning needs.

There are three possible options for reorganisation which are: to keep both Bryngwyn and Queen Street primary schools open; to educate pupils in a 360-place primary school split over the Bryngwyn and Queen Street Primary School sites, with the existing buildings being upgraded; pupils to be educated in a new-build community primary school.

In September, it will be decided which proposals to take forward to formal consultation.

The consultation document has been sent to parents and governors and is also available at www.blaenau gwent.gov.uk/education/19118.asp. Residents can give their views online, or in writing to Lynn Phillips, Anvil Court, Church Street, Abertillery, NP13 1DB.