The Welsh Government has paved the way for five new primary schools after it gave the green light to ambitious education investment plans.

The plans will see £24m invested in the Gwernyfed catchment area with five new schools built to replace the current schools at Hay-on-Wye, Talgarth – to replace the current Talgarth and Bronllys schools - Clyro, Llyswen and Llangorse.

The outline business case for the plans was approved by Education Minister Huw Lewis AM as part of the government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

Powys Council has now been urged to develop the full business case “as a matter of urgency”.

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire said: “This is very good news. When the minister visited Hay Primary School he saw first-hand the superb teaching at the school, he also saw the school buildings that are old and in desperate need of replacement.

“The council now need to get on and develop the full business case as a matter of urgency so that that these pupils can finally be taught in buildings that are fit for purpose.”

• Full report and reaction in this week’s paper