FEARS have been raised over the possible closure of sixth forms at the Maelor School in Penley and Ysgol Rhiwabon.

Post-16 education is due to be discussed at the local authority’s children and young people scrutiny committee this evening at the Guildhall starting at 6pm and by the executive board on November 2 starting at 2pm.

Parents are now being urged to attend the meetings to show the strength of opposition to the possible moves.

Cllr Paul Rogers, a member of the scrutiny committee, said he was deeply concerned about any potential sixth form closures. He said he would be supporting an option that would retain the facilities at Ruabon and Penley.

“I’m backing sixth forms in our communities because protecting them will provide choice in our education system. I believe local authorities should develop post-16 education in their areas with the support of parents and pupils,” he said.

A governor of the Maelor School, who did not wish to be named, said there is deep concern Penley’s sixth form could be facing the axe despite providing an outstanding service to the community.

“I would urge as many parents as possible to attend the meetings taking place and show how much opposition there is to possible closure proposals.”

The governor stressed that any show of parent power would be completely peaceful and democratic. “The sixth form at Penley is excellent and very popular.

Closure would be a massive blow to parents living in the area,” the governor added.

In response to the concerns raised by the Penley governor, John Davies, Wrexham Council’s chief learning and achievement officer for Wrexham Council, said: “A report will go before the executive board next Tuesday looking at the provision of post 16-education in Wrexham. There are a number of options available, including increased collaboration between sixth forms and Yale College. Members will need to choose their preferred option to take to the Welsh Assembly Government, who will decide if this option is viable.

“No decision has been made regarding the future of the Maelor School in Penley or any other sixth form in the county. There will be a full consultation involving all interested parties once the Welsh Assembly Government make their decision.”