5,000 fight to keep school centre open
Bryntysilio Hall in Llangollen is used by school children in the borough for residential stays – but £500,000 a year running costs has seen a working group seek more affordable options for cash-strapped Walsall Council.
Alternative venues explored include Laches Wood Outdoor Education Centre in Staffordshire and Chasewater Outdoor Education Centre (OEC).
The mooting of possible closure saw a 'Save Bryntysilio' group created on internet social networking site Facebook - attracting 4,865 members.
Current and former teachers from Walsall schools and representatives from the online campaign met on Monday to have their say on the way Walsall Council delivers residential outdoor education.
Andrew Potts, headteacher at St Francis of Assisi, argued that the hall and its staff provide a brilliant outdoor service and presented the opportunity for schoolchildren to see the countryside for the first time.
Councillor Melvin Pitt, a member of the working group asked those present why Bryntysilio differs from other sites. He argued that other venues provide the same activities and accommodate more students than Bryntysilio.
Elaine McCourt, 34, is one of the Facebook group founder members who now lives in Sheffield. The former St Francis of Assisi pupil, who visited the hall in 1990 and 1992, said: "I had two wonderful weeks at Bryntysilio that I will never forget. There is no way the other options can compare to the experience in Wales, with caves and water sports."
Alan Price and Gemma Oliver from Facebook groups 'Friends of Brynty' and 'Save our Bryntysilio' respectively added that the hall had provided them a unique experience.
Councillor Louise Harrison, chair of the group, insisted that no decision had yet been made on the future of residential outdoor activities. The working group will present its recommendations to the Community Services Scrutiny Panel at its meeting on November 26.
Panel members of the panel will decide which option to recommend to cabinet who will make the final decision.
■ What is your view on the potential closure of Bryntysilio? Email robert.bridge@cintamworth.co.uk
Bryntysilio Hall in Llangollen, pictured in 1900. Originally a small cottage, the hall has been used by school children from Walsall for decades. Now funding looks likely to be stopped. Image courtesy of Llangollen Museum.
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