THE death knell has fallen on two Anglesey primary schools after the statutory notice to shut both primaries were rubber stamped by councillors.

Last July saw members of Anglesey Council’s Executive vote to shut Ysgol Gynradd Beaumaris – meaning that Ysgol Gynradd Llangoed was spared the axe.

The same week they also voted to close Ysgol Talwrn, with the pupils set to be moved 1.8 miles to an extended Ysgol y Graig in Llangefni.

But the formal process to stop maintaining both schools was formalised on Thursday, after an extraordinary meeting voted in favour of the move.

According to Anglesey Council, the island’s average cost per pupil of £3,972 is the third highest in Wales and must be reduced.

But criticism was made of the consultation process, which was described by one councillor opposed to the closure of Ysgol Beaumaris as “one sided” and that reading the report had left him “cross and disillusioned.”

Cllr Alun Roberts, a former teacher, went on to say: “I felt it was on very unstable educational grounds and this recommendation has no vision in my view.

“Its not based on robust educational foundations and doesn’t really allow the provision for an education that will satisfy the requirements of all the children of the Seiriol ward.”

He went on to raise concern that parents would not send their children to Ysgol Llangoed as it would mean many having to go out of their way during their morning commute, believing that most would send their children to schools nearer the bridge or Bangor on the mainland.

Both Cllrs Lewis Davies and Carwyn Jones also spoke out in favour of keeping Ysgol Beaumaris open, which according to the council report only had 40 pupils despite having a capacity of 143, meaning it is only 28% full.

But the decision to shut Ysgol Beaumaris will leave the town without a school for the first time since the 17th century – with its first educational establishment having been built in 1603.

According to officers, however, the maintenance costs of bringing the 66-year-old building up to scratch would be £971,000 – noting the number of empty spaces as problematic, with shutting Beaumaris found to be the most cost effective option on the table.

Both Ysgol Llangoed and Ysgol Llandegfan will be refurbished and brought up to 21st century standards – set to cost around £1.3m with around 50% being provided by the Welsh Government.

Meanwhile, the closure of the 43 pupil Ysgol Talwrn will lead to a new £4.8m block being built at Ysgol y Graig.

This is despite Talwrn being close to its capacity of 49.

But Cllr Llinos Medi, the leader, added that the problem of over subscribed primary schools in Llangefni was so acute that she was aware of one family where the children had to attend different schools due to a lack of space at Ysgol y Graig.

Cllr Bob Parry, one of the local members, accepted that half of its pupils travelled in from outside its catchment area, which he described as a “concern” and would back the report “with a heavy heart.”

“Its a pity to see it close, but I feel the children will receive more fair play in terms of facilities at their new school,” he added.