The last couple of weeks have seen the end of an era in Talgarth, with the demolition of the former Talgarth CP School.

The school, built by JL Stephens of Talybont and opened by the late Talgarth County Councillor Major Geoffrey Green in January 1976, gave way to the new area school, Ysgol y Mynydd Du on an Eastern gateway site in Talgarth in Spring 2018.

For the last few years, the site has been sealed off but has, on occasion, attracted anti-social behaviour and has fallen into disrepair. In the light of this and on the advice of Dyfed- Powys Police, Powys County Council Officers, working with the local member, Cllr William Powell, made the case for demolition, on grounds of public safety.

This paves the way for a Powys Council Housing development, which is at an early stage of the planning process, as well as a potential renovation of the adjacent 1875 Victorian School, which is currently being explored by Talgarth and District Regeneration Group.

Last week, former staff, pupils and governors of Talgarth CP School, together with all the junior pupils of Ysgol y Mynydd Du, had the opportunity to observe the demolition, undertaken by the appointed contractor, Merthyr Salvage, under the supervision of PCC Civil Engineer Jonathan Watson.

Longstanding former Chair of Governors, Heather Summerfield commented: “Today we watched the 1970s school being swept away - but the many happy memories of time spent there still remain.

“Much as we appreciate our new modern school building, it is still a sad day to have to say ‘ good-bye’ to an old friend.”

Samantha Toone, Headteacher of Ysgol y Mynydd Du, which incorporates the former Talgarth and Bronllys Schools, shared the sentiment: “It was a bittersweet experience, marking the end of an era, with many happy memories of both pupils and staff.

“It was a privilege to be acting head of both Talgarth and Bronllys Schools – and the first of Ysgol y Mynydd Du.”

Local mum Sarah Griffiths, a former Talgarth School pupil, looked to the future, saying: “I am hopeful that it marks a positive shift and that some local families will - in the not too distant future - be able to have secure and affordable homes on the site, which are sorely needed in the current housing climate. This seems like a suitable legacy for a site that holds such importance for so many local people. “

Sarah’s daughter Emma, who serves on the Ysgol y Mynydd Du Eco Committee, added: “I’m sad to see the demolition as it holds lots of memories, but I’m happy, if me and my friends have helped save the lovely walnut trees at the front of the old school.”

Talgarth County Councillor, William Powell, was also a pupil of the school between 1970 and 1976 and so attended both the now demolished Talgarth School and the previous 1875 School, which is on the adjacent site.

He said: “‘I strongly welcome the proposal for local needs housing on this site, but we need to ensure that it is of high quality, with decent open space and high energy efficiency.

“Alongside this, we have a challenge to regenerate the beautiful old Victorian School, on the next door site. That’s a challenge for our community – but also a real opportunity -. If it is to play its part for future generations here in Talgarth.”