Members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet are now being asked to approve the demolition of the former Cymer Afan School on the grounds it could be subjected to vandalism or arson.

On September 6th last year, approval was granted to close Cymer Afan and to re-locate pupils to Ysgol Cwm Brombil in Margam.

An officers’ report to the Cabinet, which meets on July 31st, says:

“To limit the Council’s exposure to the risk of vandalism and arson it would prudent to appoint a contractor as a matter of urgency so they can make arrangements to secure the school site, employ their own security, carry out further surveys, disconnect live services and demolish all buildings to floor level.

“Despite some apparent (but not confirmed) local interest, the report makes it clear there is ‘limited opportunity for the property to be successfully marketed, especially with a view to completing a quick disposal’”.

A Council spokesman said:

“We have concluded that our primary responsibility to the local community is to secure the site safely in the short term and make arrangements to ensure the school does not become an eyesore and potentially a location for anti-social behaviour.”