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Caerphilly County Borough Council’s proposals to bring two schools in Rhymney together under one roof as part of a multimillion-pound investment is “really needed”, a councillor has said.

Labour councillor Carl Cuss, who represents the Twyn Carno ward, has welcomed plans to create a new “modern and sustainable” dual-purpose building, which would house both Ysgol y Lawnt and the English-medium Upper Rhymney Primary School at a cost of £17.6 million.

Cllr Cuss, who is also chair of governors for Upper Rhymney Primary School, spoke to Caerphilly Observer about his thoughts on the plans. He said: “I am pleased that the two schools in my ward are being considered for a multimillion-pound investment, it is really needed. 

“The land being proposed would be great if it is developed as I receive complaints about antisocial behaviour and off-road bikes on this site.  

“I am also pleased there are opportunities for shared facilities with opportunities for community use, including a sports hall, community rooms and a 3G pitch for the school and local sports groups to utilise. 

“The new school would also be designed to be energy-efficient, helping with current ongoing cost pressures within school budgets. 

“I look forward to hearing the views of the community and other stakeholders when the public consultation is carried out, possibly in the autumn I have been told,” he added.

Despite placing the schools into one building, the council has stated they will remain as “separate entities”.

Pupils from nursery age to 18-years-old will attend the “super school”. The council’s report also adds that the building will be available for community use.

The council is to contribute £6,052,119 from its place shaping reserve, and it aims to secure the remaining £10,730,414 through the Welsh Government’s sustainable communities for learning programme.

No formal planning application for the development has been submitted yet.

Members will be asked to support the council’s proposals at an education scrutiny committee on Tuesday June 20.

Cllr Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education, said: “This proposal is the next exciting chapter in our ambitious sustainable communities for learning programme, which has already delivered significant benefits across the county borough.

“I’m sure residents in the Upper Rhymney Valley will welcome these bold proposals to provide a modern, fit for purpose learning environment for young people and wider community use in future.”

“I find this most divisive”

Cllr Lindsay Whittle, leader of the Plaid Cymru group on the council, said: “Personally, I am not in favour of mixing two separate language schools. The whole purpose of a Welsh language school is to immerse children in the language. This will ensure they thrive in their achievements.

“Most of the families who choose to have their children taught through the medium of Welsh are predominantly English speaking. There will be too much English in their lives if they mix at school as well. I find this most divisive.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council has said the schools will remain “separate entities” and there will be “no impact on the Welsh language”.

Additional reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.