Llanelli Town Council’s new Independent-led administration has welcomed continued commitments towards delivering a new Ysgol Heol Goffa but says serious concerns remain over reports that the long-awaited school may not open until 2029 at the earliest.
Councillors say confirmation that progress is continuing with the project will provide reassurance to many families who have campaigned tirelessly for a new specialist school. However, they say the proposed timescale remains deeply concerning given the length of time pupils, parents and staff have already waited.
The proposed new school, expected to cost around £35 million, is seen as a vital investment in additional learning needs provision in Llanelli and the wider area.
Lliedi Ward Town Councillor Andrew Bragoli said:
“We welcome the fact that there remains a commitment to delivering a new Ysgol Heol Goffa and recognise the importance of the project for children and families across our community.
“However, many parents and staff will understandably be disappointed and frustrated by the prospect of having to wait until at least 2029. Families have already shown enormous patience over many years, and there is a clear need now for urgency and momentum behind the project.
“We want to see all parties working together to ensure delivery happens as quickly as possible.”
Fellow Lliedi Ward Town Councillor Sarah Evans said:
“Ysgol Heol Goffa plays an incredibly important role within our community, and the children there deserve access to the very best learning environment and facilities.
“It is encouraging that plans are moving forward but concerns around delays and uncertainty have not gone away. Parents, pupils and staff deserve greater clarity about the next steps and confidence that everything possible is being done to avoid further delays.
“This project is far too important for momentum to be lost.”
Leader of Llanelli Town Council, Councillor Sean Rees, added:
“The people of Llanelli have consistently supported the campaign for a new Ysgol Heol Goffa because everybody understands how important this school is for current and future generations.
“A new school would help address increasing pressures on existing facilities while also creating a safe, modern and supportive learning environment for children with additional learning needs.
“The community now wants to see a clear pathway towards construction and completion so that the promises made to pupils, parents and staff finally become reality.
