Local councillor questions decisions over Newtown PRU

A controversy has erupted in Newtown over the future of the town's Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), with accusations of a decision being made behind closed doors causing outrage among residents and local officials.

The Welsh Conservative Group on Powys County Council has raised concerns following a statement made by Cllr Glyn Preston, who allegedly told a resident that the Newtown PRU would be closed and staff redistributed to the Brecon PRU.

This statement has sparked fears among residents about the potential closure of the Newtown PRU without proper consultation with staff and consideration of the impacts on students.

County Councillor Pete Lewington, who represents Newtown West, expressed his outrage over Cllr Preston's statement, calling it ill-judged and lacking empathy for residents. He said:

“I am totally outraged that Cllr Preston has made such an ill judged statement without checking his facts or thinking through the impact of such a statement on our residents. Following this shocking statement residents are now telling me that they believe that the Newtown PRU will be closed without the resultant impacts on staff and pupils being evaluated either through the HR process or union consultation let alone Powys County Council’s own internal decision-making processes."
 
"Despite me recently highlighting the concern of staff at both the PRUs facing closure and the need for the staff to be consulted on these proposals Cllr Glyn Preston has totally ignored their concerns and anxieties with this statement."
 
"I am deeply concerned that Cllr Glynn Preston has potentially breached confidentiality on this matter or may have divulged privileged information. If this is the case, then this has serious implications for me as Powys County Council publicly stated only last week in relation to the proposal to close one of the PRUs that :- “Following the budget decision a full business case is now in preparation in advance of a formal management of change process”.
 
"I have raised my concerns with both the leader of the council and the chief executive as Cllr Glyn Preston’s conduct is not only causing distress but is either providing false information or breaching confidentiality/privileged information – either of which will lead to severe impacts on Powys County Council’s reputation."
 
"I have asked them to tell me what they will do to repair the damage Cllr Glyn Preston’s comments have and will cause and most importantly confirm if his statement highlighted above is correct? If his statement is incorrect what action will be taken to address the potential fallout from making such a significant misstatement?"