Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins will this evening join protesters who oppose the name-change from Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen to Ysgol Gyfun Gartholwg. The South Wales West AM will be attending the event outside Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has angered parents and pupils alike, who want the name to remain the same.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Bethan Jenkins AM a former pupil of the school said:
 
“It is unacceptable for the council to ignore the wishes of those people who the school truly belongs to: the pupils, parents and teachers.  Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen is a widely recognised name throughout Wales and has particular connotations for community spirit and educational excellence.  The school, which was the first Welsh-medium secondary school to be opened in south Wales, has a special place in the hearts of those in the community.”

Leanne Wood AM for South Wales Central, who presented evidence to the Assembly’s petitions committee on the issue last year, added:

“I reaffirm my support for the parents, teachers and pupils at the school who have fought a hard and determined campaign on this over many years.  It is unacceptable that a decision like this is not in the hands of the school itself but is a matter for the council to impose.  I’d like to congratulate the pupils and parents at the school who have led the campaign and vow to continue supporting them until plans for the name change are dropped.”

Diwedd / Ends