THE councillor responsible for education in Powys branded a small school an 'expensive luxury' at a meeting that agreed its closure.

Councillor Myfanwy Alexander made the comment as the county council's cabinet agreed to close Llanigon County Primary, near Hay-on-Wye, at the end of the 2014 summer term.

Pupils will then transfer to Hay-On-Wye County Primary even though its new school building isn't expected to be completed until 2015.

Councillor Alexander said there are just 14 pupils at Llanigon and the authority spends more than £5,000 more on their education than on children at Hay.

"I'm afraid it sounds harsh but Llanigon school is a luxury that Powys can't afford," said Cllr Alexander.

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