A CONSULTATION on closing four secondary schools in Brecon and Radnorshire has been extended for a second time.

Powys council has proposed closing Brecon High and Gwernyfed High, in Three Cocks, and replacing them with one new school. It also wants to open one new school to replace Llandrindod and Builth Wells high schools.

The consultation was due to end on May 23 but the council has now extended it until Wednesday, June 1.

The authority had previously delayed the start of the consultation due to the school Easter holidays.

The full council is also due to hold an extraordinary meeting next week which could strip the cabinet of its power to close secondary schools.

The meeting was called after former cabinet member for schools, Councillor Myfanwy Alexander, put a motion before April’s full council meting asking councillors agree all council members can debate proposed school closures in Mid and South Powys.

The independent councillor wants proposed major changes to be brought before the full council.

Councillors agreed to hold an EGM, which will take place at County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, on Monday, May 16 for legal advice to be prepared.

The meeting will be webcast on the council’s www.powys.gov.uk website from 10.30am.