THE chair of governors at a school which is under threat from closure said as many residents and parents as possible must have their say on the plans.

The Welsh Government has recently backed plans to build a new £50m campus in Brecon and to close Brecon High School and Gwernyfed High School in Three Cocks.

Powys County Council (PCC) hopes to see the new centre, which would include a sixth form and vocational college, open by 2018.

Following the decision to accept the Strategic Outline Case for the proposed new campus, Ian Charlesworth, chair of governors at Gwernyfed High School, said: "It is important to note that this acceptance is 'without prejudice' and therefore means nothing other than PCC can proceed to draw up a more detailed business case.

"It does not guarantee that the proposal will go ahead. In the meantime PCC is reminded that it must abide by the requirements of the School Organisation Code- to consult widely and do so with an open mind."

The consultation on the current proposal will run from September 14 to October 23 and Mr Charlesworth said they are committed to making sure as many residents as possible express their views.

He said: "Local support remains strong and people are keen to let the council how much they disapprove of the plan to close Gwernyfed High School."

The campaign group against Gwernyfed closing will be attending primary school events throughout the summer to raise awareness about the campaign and the reorganisation plans.

PCC believe the plans will “create a sustainable infrastructure of schools and post 16 provision across Powys, enabling a broader range of subjects to be provided from each school site, whilst minimising the need for interschool travel and transport.”

PCC's cabinet member for schools, Arwel Jones, said: "We are delighted that the Welsh government has approved our plans and we can now start with the detailed work needed to deliver such an ambitious development."