Maesydderwen school closed for second day as police investigate telephone threat

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers would maintain a presence at the school as the investigation continues, and that no arrests have yet been made.

The school, which has more than 540 pupils from year seven to sixth form, was placed in lockdown on Monday morning after police received a report of a threat made over the telephone at around 10.45am.

A cordon was erected outside the school and multiple police vehicles remained at the scene throughout Monday afternoon, with pupils allowed to leave the site in small groups rather than all at once.

All pupils and staff were released safely on Monday afternoon. In an update issued on Monday evening, police said there was “no evidence of any ongoing risk to pupils or staff.”

However, a further development in the investigation overnight led to the decision to keep the school closed on Tuesday.

In a statement, police said: “Following a development in the investigation into a threat made over the phone in relation to Maesydderwen Comprehensive School, a decision has been made by the school not to reopen tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3).

“There will be a police presence at the school as officers continue to investigate, and we will provide updates whenever possible.”

Police added that patrols would be carried out in the coming days to provide reassurance to pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.

Parents and carers are being kept informed about the school’s reopening through the school app.

Powys County Council confirmed it was aware of the incident. School governor and local county councillor Susan McNicholas confirmed police were at the scene on Monday but was unable to provide further details at the time.

The school was placed in special measures — the highest level of Estyn monitoring — in January 2025, following an inspection that raised concerns about the quality of teaching and attendance.

£11k grant brings big screen to Coelbren

Film nights for families on the doorstep

Coelbren Welfare Hall has been awarded an £11,170 Awards for All grant, with support from coal mining charity CISWO, to create a welcoming entertainment space for residents.

The project will host at least 26 cinema nights over the next year, offering affordable screenings for families and individuals who would otherwise face long journeys and high costs to enjoy a night at the movies.

Trustee Emma Davies said:

“We wanted to create something that brings people together and offers families a chance to enjoy entertainment without the cost and travel.

The support from CISWO has helped us access the Awards for All grant and made this possible — we’re excited to see the positive impact on our community.”

Strong start for new cinema

The first screenings have already attracted strong interest from locals, with organisers promising to shape the programme around community feedback to ensure the films reflect local tastes and needs.

Nicola Didlock, CISWO Chief Executive, said:

“We’re delighted to have supported Coelbren Welfare Hall in launching its new Community Cinema.

This project is a fantastic initiative that makes entertainment accessible in a rural, former mining area and creates a lively hub for families and friends to connect and enjoy shared experiences.”

Backing from coalfields charity

CISWO — which has been supporting coalfield communities since 1920 — says its grants service helps miners’ welfare charities identify funding opportunities, strengthen applications and build long‑term sustainability.

The charity, which became a registered organisation in 1995, remains the only national body solely focused on supporting former coal miners, their families and local mining communities.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Fourteen community settings across Wales awarded new investment to improve facilities and support local families.

Faith in Families secures nearly £250k for Bonymaen hub
Swansea charity wins major grant to develop a new health and wellbeing centre for the community.

South Wales Miners’ Library marks 50 years
Landmark anniversary celebrates half a century of preserving the region’s proud coalfield heritage.

#cinema #CISWO #coalfieldCommunities #Coelbren #CoelbrenWelfareHall #MinersWelfare #SouthPowys #TaweUchaf #TheCoalMiningCharity

Plaid Cymru unveil Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd candidates ahead of 2026 Senedd election

The party is aiming to return a strong group of Senedd Members to represent Neath and the East of Swansea, the Swansea Valley and South Powys,  following a major opinion poll that puts Plaid Cymru on course to become the largest party in the Senedd – ahead of Reform, Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.

The top four candidates selected for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd are:

• Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymru’s current MS for South Wales West
• Rebeca Phillips, NPT County Borough Councillor for Trebanos
• Andrew Jenkins, Neath based community activist
• Justin Horrell, Councillor for Abercraf on Ystradgynlais Town Council

The team are pledging to deliver the real change that people across Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd are crying out for.

Sioned Williams MS said: “Serving my home area for the last four years in the Senedd has been a huge honour, and I am delighted to have been selected as the lead candidate of a strong and dedicated Plaid Cymru team for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

“Plaid Cymru stands for a better Wales –  a fairer Wales, greener and more equal Wales –  and I am proud every day to be part of that mission. And while I think Plaid Cymru have very successfully held the Welsh Labour Government to account and advocated for our values and policies during this Senedd term, it is now time for us to lead the government, because there is so much inequality to challenge, so many services to defend, and too many communities, like ours, being left behind.

“We are a team who are rooted in our local communities, who will always put the needs of Wales first, fighting for the fairness and the real change that people in this area, who have already shown that they had enough of being ignored by the UK parties, say they want to see.”  

Rebeca Phillips, County Councillor for Trebanos said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have served Plaid Cymru and the residents of Trebanos for the last 13 years. I am excited to be part of a team of Plaid Cymru candidates for next year’s election and I am standing because I know we can make a real difference to the lives of the people of Wales.

“Since the creation of our Senedd, the Labour party has dominated and as a result our health service is on its knees, education standards are falling and our public services are suffering.

“We in Plaid Cymru know that we can, and must, do better. I hope that the people of Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd will put their faith in us – the only credible party that will always put Wales first and ensure that our area is strongly represented in the Senedd.”

Community Liaison Officer, Andrew Jenkins said: “Whether waiting in line at the school gates or the bus stop, people tell me they have had enough of being ignored  or forgotten about by this Welsh Labour Government.

“Working within this fantastic team of community champions, I will take the message out across Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd that a Plaid Cymru Government will deliver the real change our communities want, need, and deserve.”

IT consultant and Abercraf Councillor Justin Horrell said: “Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd is a vast and diverse constituency, but one united by a need for change. I look forward to campaigning as part of this strong team across the area to earn people’s support and bring Plaid Cymru’s message of fairness and ambition to every community.”

#Election #NeathPortTalbot #PlaidCymru #Senedd #SouthPowys #SwanseaEast