Parents and staff are opposed to the closure of the schools

The 15 members of the committee responsible for the future of the schools will visit them and talk to headteachers and chairs of governors during the half-term holiday on 27 and 28 October.

But some heads may not be available to meet them because they have already arranged to go away on holiday.

The tour was suggested by councillor Harry Hughes, of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, whose constituency covers one of the threatened schools.

It will be interesting to see how many of the committee turn up because during the summer we sent a letter to all 73 Powys councillors stating our case for staying open and only 19 of them have had the courtesy to reply Ernie Jones, headteacher

"Councillors have been invited to visit the schools so they can familiarise themselves with the areas and the schools," said Mr Hughes.

"We want to conduct the tour during half-term because this will not disturb pupils."

'Good idea'

But heads at Llangurig and Libanus primary schools said they might not be available during half-term.

"I think this is a good idea but have booked to go away for that week," said Angela Reed, head at 19-pupil Libanus school, near Brecon.

Powys schools in danger Llangurig Llandinam Libanus Trecastle Howey Gurnos Glanrhyd Cwmtwrch Ynysgedwen Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant Llansilsin Llangedwyn A school in Welshpool

"We need to tell councillors that even if this school was closed there would be difficulty transferring them to Brecon or Llanfaes schools because those schools are full."

Ernie Jones, Llangurig primary school's head, said: "I haven't heard anything about this and once again the BBC is telling me what is happening before the education department.

"I was thinking of going away for a few days but I think the tour is a good idea.

"It will give us a chance to respond to points made by the director of education at a public meeting at the school this summer.

"It will be interesting to see how many of the committee turn up because during the summer we sent a letter to all 73 Powys councillors stating our case for staying open and only 19 of them have had the courtesy to reply."

In May, Powys councillors agreed to set up a review of the organisation and management of primary schools in the county.

A report pinpointed 12 small schools in the county for possible closure because they are considered too old or too costly to run.

Llandinam school is one of ten which could face closure

It highlighted the possible closure of five rural primary schools - all with less than 40 pupils who would be moved to schools nearby.

The council is also considering closing four schools in the Ystradgynlais area and replacing them with one new school in the Maesyderwen catchment area.

It is looking to build a new area school at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant to replace schools in that village as well as those at Llansilin and Llangedwyn.

It will also consider setting up one school to replace separate infant and junior schools at Welshpool.

The recommendations include carrying out local consultations on the possible closure of Llandinam and Llangurig primary schools in Montgomeryshire.

Pupils from these two schools would transfer to Llanidloes or Caersws schools.

In the south of the county near Ystradgynlais, Glanrhyd, Gurnos, Cwmtwrch and Ynysgedwen schools are earmarked for closure. A new school would be built at the Glanrhyd site.

It also recommends the possible closure of Libanus and Trecastle primary schools with places being provided at Brecon and Sennybridge schools.

Another primary school whose future is under threat is Howey with places being provided in either Llandrindod Wells or Newbridge on Wye.

The review also follows a call by the Audit Commission for local authorities to consider closing schools which are too big for the number of pupils they serve.