Mystery reptiles delay new Welsh school opening in Bridgend
Of the UK's six native reptile species, four have been found to be living in Bridgend county borough. These are:the slow-worm (anguis fragilis)grass snakes (natrix natrix)adder or European viper (vipera berus)the common or viviparous lizard (zootoca vivipara)
The move to the larger site is expected to cost around £18.6m, with 525 places expected for children aged four to 11 as well as a 90-place nursery.Hussain said in the Senedd the extra places are "much needed in the local area" and that the delay is "devastating news".Neagle responded that the Welsh government is "working with the local authority to mitigate the impact of that on young people".She said this includes providing funding of nearly £500,000 to allow the short-term expansion of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr, with two temporary classroom buildings from this September.
'Relocation of the reptiles'
A spokesman for Bridgend County Borough Council told the BBC: "We remain focused on progressing school modernisation plans for a replacement Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr but the presence of reptiles at the new site has caused a delay to the completion of the ecology work."With this in mind and following consultation with the school's governing body, our cabinet recently approved a new opening date of September 2027. "The relocation of the reptiles is expected to take place over the coming summer period and further site investigation works will then be able to take place following the removal of the remaining scrub and brambles."Planning and architectural design work is continuing to take place and we look forward to providing further updates in the coming months."
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