Expressing its disappointment that Ceredigion's Cabinet has once again taken the "predictable" path of starting a Statutory Consultation on a proposal to close two village schools Cymdeithas say that these schools could be the key to drawing newcomers into Welsh-language community life.

Ffred Ffransis, education spokesperson fod Cymdeithas yr Iaith explained "It was oh so predictable that Ceredigion's Cabinet would once again ignore the protests of a local community, and once again start a Statutory Consultation on a proposal to close Cwmpadarn and a Welsh-medium village school in the case of Ysgol Llangynfelyn. Hundreds of young, non-Welsh-speaking people have moved into the villages of Ceredigion during the last few years. It is heartening that many of them feel a sense of ownership of and pride in their local Welsh-medium village school and identify with their children's desire to become part of the Welsh-speaking community. Dozens from this community turned up for a Cymdeithas protest at County Hall a few weeks ago as the council's education panel met to discuss schools' futures – and showed how important their school and community is to them. By ignoring their pleas, the Council is condemning the Welsh language to be merely a medium for education, rather than a key to becoming part of a community. The Council should work with these newcomers to Ceredigion and give a stake in the future of the schools and communities to all those of good will."

The council will begin the process of statutory consultation on May 11th