Planned closures

Alltwalis Cae'r Felin Cwmbach Garnant Glanamman Henllan Amgoed Llanboidy Llanfihangel-ar-Arth Llangynin Twyn

One Welsh language campaigner was arrested during the demonstration for causing a public disturbance.

"Carmarthenshire County Council has sentenced our communities to death today," said campaigner Ffred Frrancis, adding the Welsh Language Society - Cymdeithas Yr Aith Gymraeg - will take its battle to the Welsh Assembly.

"Education officials said the closures were needed to save money and provide 21st century facilities.

But opponents claimed they would lead to the destruction of their communities.

Five Welsh-medium schools near Pencader, along with a second group of five schools in the Amman Valley are earmarked for closure under the plans.

The council is proposing to re-open two of the schools as larger, "area" schools, and to build a brand new school in the Amman Valley.

Victorian legacy

The battles over smaller schools have been fought over several decades.

Carmarthenshire - like many rural counties - has a legacy of small primary schools.

Language campaigner Ffred Ffrancis was arrested

Many were built in Victorian times and often serve only a handful of pupils.

Council officials argue that poor facilities mean children are not getting the best education.

They insist that a wider range of subjects would be available in larger, regionally-based schools.

The authority also believes that reorganisation would offer major financial benefits.

Cost concerns

It is estimated that education in a village primary school costs almost �6,000 per pupil per annum, compared to an average of �2,300 across Carmarthenshire.

Susan Davies, headteacher of Llangynin Primary School near St Clears, has just 11 pupils on her school roll.

Children took part in the demonstration

She admits that teaching in such a small school is not easy.

"It's quite difficult to teach three curriculums - the early years, Key Stages 1 and 2. It's not fair for the children.

"Personally, I find that being on your own has its problems as well."

Parent governors and Welsh language campaigners are anxious to keep the smaller schools open.

They say they are vital for the survival of village communities, especially those which use school buildings as a venue for other activities.

Groups like Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg warn that the closure of rural schools in Welsh-speaking areas could also threaten the survival of the language.

Campaigners hope to convince the council that savings can be made by linking existing schools.