RESPONDING to today's Assembly Government statement on school closures, Shadow Education Minister Paul Davies AM said:

"Schools re-organisation is causing great concern for parents and for communities across Wales.

"Now that the minister intends to produce new regulations on the issue he must confirm whether or not any current school re-organisations will be put on hold until these new regulations are in place.

"The public consultation he intends to undertake must also be as wide as possible. It is crucial there is a robust consultation process in place so everyone is able to put forward their views.

"The minister must also tell us how these new regulations will specifically deal with the issue of surplus places and how the Assembly Government will support areas where surplus places may not be an issue but where schools are still threatened with closure.

"Before a school in any community closes, each and every sensible option must be looked into. That's why it's crucial to carry out a community impact assessment at every opportunity.

"Local authorities must consider carefully the impact any decision to close a school will have on a community, particularly in Welsh-speaking areas, and assess the damage a closure can have for those learning through the medium of Welsh.

"It is not merely a matter of closing a school. A far more serious issue is allied to this, namely the effect on culture and the wider population."