Primary School Looking Forward to a New Extension

Youngsters at a Gower village primary school will be returning to lessons next term as work begins on a new extension.

Work on the extension for Foundation Phase pupils at Llanrhidian Primary School was put on hold last year after ground investigations discovered naturally-occurring underground cavities on the school site.

But after Swansea Council spent more than £100,000 on remedial measures, the building contract commenced over the summer holidays.

Mike Day, Cabinet Member for Education, said: "It's good news that construction is finally taking place. The extra space and internal remodelling of parts of the existing building is a significant investment by the Council and will make a real improvement to the quality of the facilities available for young children at Llanrhidian."

Rosemary Amesbury, Chair of Governors at Llanrhidian, added: "We are all delighted by the news that work has started. Llanrhidian is a much-loved primary school and the extension is needed."

Donna Caswell, who is due to take over as Head Teacher on September 1, said: "Llanrhidian Primary School has a history of aiming high to provide an ever improving environment for its pupils. But this new build will ensure our children have the very best in opportunities for future learning.

"All staff and pupils are looking forward to the completion but, in the meantime, the school is planning its Centenary celebrations with the release of our very own book- 'Llanrhidian - A Hundred Years Young'.

"We aim to launch the celebrations with a Centenary Festival in November and will invite past pupils and staff to a fun-filled event at the school.

"This is an extremely exciting time for all involved but, without the dedication and commitment of the previous Head Teacher, Mr Jamie Richards, this extension would not be a reality."

Building work at the school is expected to take 33 weeks and contractors CJ Construction Ltd (Wales) are doing all they can to minimise disruption.