‘We are exhausted by being ignored’: parents react as Flintshire pauses five school closures until after election
Opponents of plans to close five Flintshire schools as part of modernisation programmes say they are frustrated by the council’s behaviour despite the plans being paused.
Yesterday Flintshire County Council announced it would postpone two school modernisation plans during the pre-Senedd election period.
The first plan put on hold regarded the closure of St Anthony’s Catholic Primary in Saltney, St David’s in Mold, St Mary’s in Flint plus St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School. In partnership with the Diocese of Wrexham the authority planned to replace them with a 3-18 Catholic super-school in Flint.
The second plan that has been mothballed is the merger of Saltney Ferry and Saltney Wood Memorial Primary Schools that would see the closure of Saltney Ferry.
According to a statement released on behalf of Flintshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Education and Youth Claire Homard, the consultation process will be restarted for both schemes once the elections are over.
“With the Senedd elections due to take place on May 7, all public bodies are now bound by rules governing activity during the formal ‘pre-election period’ which started at 9am on Wednesday, March 25,” it said.
“During this period, the council is required to delay items that may be considered controversial. While the school organisation proposals are pressing, they are not sufficiently urgent to need consideration during the pre-election period.
“I can confirm that we will be seeking Cabinet approval to restart the consultation on both proposals in May, as soon as it is practicably possible after the election.”
Parents groups have reacted with frustration however, claiming the authority is still not acknowledging the weight of public opinion against the plans.
In Mold St David’s Action Group – whose legal challenge forced both plans to be delayed last month – said it was concerned about the council’s announcement.
“This situation demonstrates a clear and unacceptable disregard for both teachers and pupils,” it said in a statement. “The manner in which this has been handled is already having a significant and damaging impact on teacher mental health and wellbeing. The uncertainty is not only unprofessional – it is harmful.
“Equally alarming is the complete lack of consideration for the children. Pupils are now left in a state of confusion and instability, facing ongoing uncertainty about their education, environment and future. This is entirely unacceptable.
“We challenge the assertion that this situation is ‘not urgent’. For teachers and pupils who are currently in limbo, this is not only urgent – it is critical. Such a statement reflects a troubling disconnect from the reality being experienced within the school community.
“We are also disgusted by the council’s intention to restart this process. The issues now being acknowledged have been raised consistently from the outset.
“Despite this, the council has continued to ignore our concerns, resulting in the waste of significant amounts of taxpayers’ money. To propose repeating this process is both irresponsible and indefensible.
“The date for the Senedd elections and the associated restrictions on decision-making have been known for a considerable time. The legal challenge has only reinforced concerns that were repeatedly raised with Flintshire County Council during the consultation period.
“St David’s Action Group will continue to stand firmly with teachers, pupils, and the wider community to ensure that their voices are heard and that proper accountability is enforced.”
In Saltney, where two of the town’s three schools are at risk of closure, there was a similar reaction.
“Flintshire County Council has announced there will be more consultations on proposals to close St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School and reduce primary provision overall in Saltney by closing Saltney Ferry Primary,” said Kevin Jones, of the Save St Anthony’s Action Group.
“This is despite two previous consultations showing overwhelming public opposition. Local residents, parents, and community representatives have expressed deep frustration that the Education Department is pressing ahead with what many see as a flawed, opaque process that dismisses community concerns.
“We are exhausted by being ignored. This latest move, which pledges to bring the plans back after the election, shows a worrying disregard for public feedback.
“The current proposal singles out St Anthony’s for closure rather than integration – as it is not really included in the plans for the Catholic super-school in Flint. The expectation is families will send their children elsewhere but there are still no confirmed transport arrangements or fair alternatives, with children as young as three potentially facing long daily journeys far from their community.
“Parents are being asked to make impossible choices with no reliable information. Choosing to spend even more public money on another consultation is an unnecessary, costly and frankly cynical step. The public want no more of this proposal.”
David Whittaker, a parent who has led the campaign by Saltney Ferry Primary School parents against the plans, welcomed the news but said families remained in limbo.
“While we welcome the opportunity for further consultation, it’s difficult to ignore how this has been handled,” he said.
“Families are being kept in a constant state of uncertainty, with decisions delayed and restarted at short notice.
“People are being told they have a chance to be involved, but the reality is changes are often dropped on us with very little time to properly respond or prepare. That’s not meaningful engagement – that’s confusion.
“Parents and residents are doing everything they can to engage constructively. We’re simply asking for a process that is transparent, consistent and genuinely listens to the people affected.
“This isn’t about politics – it’s about children’s safety, families’ lives and a community that deserves to be treated fairly. Saltney Ferry will no longer be treated like a forgotten community.”
By Alec Doyle – Local Democracy Reporter
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