A COMMUNITY council has launched a bid to hold a formal consultation to decide the future use of a school which is set to close later this month.

Wrexham Council’s ruling executive board voted in favour of shutting Ysgol Pontfadog in the Ceiriog Valley at a fiery meeting last August because of dwindling pupil numbers.

People living in the area were strongly opposed to the move, but are hoping to take on the ownership of the school building from the local authority.

Glyntraian Community Council has already held a series of meetings to discuss ideas for its future.

Members have now backed the launch of a bid for grant funding in order to run a wide-ranging consultation to seek opinions on the most popular option for the 110-year-old primary school.

Chair Chris Futcher said: “Wrexham Council leader Mark Pritchard has publicly declared the local authority is willing to transfer the whole site into the stewardship of Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) once the school closes if a suitable use is agreed.

“GCC will become responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the entire site thereafter.

“We wish to consult widely on the options for future use of the site, which will need to dovetail with our place plan and Wrexham Council’s own strategic priorities.

“We fully expect a robust, well-managed consultation process will reveal how most residents would prefer to see the asset used in the long-term.”

The community council recently voted by a majority of eight to one to sanction a 30 percent contribution worth £3,000 to run a professional consultation and feasibility study.

Cadwyn Clwyd, a Denbighshire-based rural development agency, will provide guidance and support if the bid is successful, as well as funding the remaining 70 per cent.

The exercise would then begin in September once consultants have been found.

Meanwhile, the school will close its doors for the final time on Friday, July 19, at 3.15pm.