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Row over Nato schools disruption

Written By blogger on Monday, August 11, 2014 | 12:14 AM

Parents in the Vale of Glamorgan have hit out at plans to disrupt school opening times during the Nato summit, despite it being held 25 miles away in Newport.

Schools in the county have been advised to close early on 3 and 5 September and open late on 4 September.

The council said this would minimise traffic disruption caused by delegates flying into Cardiff Airport.

MP Alun Cairns said the recommendation contradicted Nato planning advice.

Advice issued to schools by the Vale of Glamorgan council said the large number of delegates and their staff landing at Cardiff Airport would lead to disruption on the surrounding roads and the route to the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport where the conference is being held.

It says police have asked that where possible alternative arrangements should be made for staff and pupils, and the authority recommends schools close at 14:00 BST on 3 and 5 September and open at 11:00 BST on 4 September.

'Wrong message'

Vale of Glamorgan Conservative MP Mr Cairns said the decision goes beyond advice issued by Downing Street's Nato planning unit and he is worried about disruption caused to parents just days after the new term starts.

In a letter to the council, he wrote: "Although Cardiff Airport will be used by some delegates, I am told this is unlikely to have any impact on the road network surrounding the facility.

"You will obviously be aware that that these closure plans come after 6 weeks summer holidays. Parents will find it difficult to arrange carers and the timing of your advice now makes it difficult for schools to change their plans at this late stage.

"I am also concerned that closing schools in this way sends out the wrong messages, when the Welsh government is placing such a priority on attendance levels."

Christopher Elmore, cabinet member for children's services, who will standing for Labour against Mr Cairns at next year's general election, said in a letter to the MP the recommendations were made following advice from police.


Row over Nato schools disruption

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