PARENTS and children calling for a Welsh-medium school in North Gower took their plea to Swansea Council today.

This morning, campaigners handed a petition to cabinet member for education Mike Day and head of education Richard Parry at the Civic Centre.

Welsh speaker Menna Jenkins is part of campaign group Ysgol y Ogledd Gwyr/Welsh Primary for North Gower (YOG).

The mum of two from Llanmadoc said: "Despite now having a list of 45 names of children aged up to 4 years old, who would attend a Welsh- medium primary in North Gower, the director of education is refusing to open a school in the area.

"We actually have more names for one school year than most of the existing Gower English-medium schools. We feel this is grossly unfair."

Parents say demand for primary Welsh-medium education in North Gower is increasing, and at present the nearest option is to send them to Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin in Kingsbridge, about six miles from Gorseinon. Mrs Jenkins added: "My children will be going to Pontybrenin, in Loughor, but it's very far away."

Swansea Council plans to increase capacity at Welsh primaries at Gellionen, Pontybrenin and Tirdeunaw. There are also plans to use Graig infants in Morriston as a Welsh school, if the Assembly approves council proposals to close the school and merge with the nearby Pentrepoeth.

However, parents calling for a new Welsh school have suggested using the now closed Llanmorlais primary for Welsh education as another option for increasing provision.

A Swansea Council spokesman said: "We are in the process of developing a long-term strategy for Welsh-medium education in Swansea. Swansea Council recognises the growing demand for Welsh-medium education, and will continue to review the potential options as part of the overall QEd 2020 programme, which seeks to ensure appropriate sustainable provision to serve the identified needs.

helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk