12 February 2008

HEAD STANDS AT ELECTION

A former headmaster and a vociferous opponent of Gwynedd Council’s school closure plans has joined Llais Gwynedd … llais y bobl … and is standing in May’s local government elections.

Bob Dorkins, who was head of Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron, for 16 years, says the incumbent leaders of the Plaid Cymru-run council have lost touch with public opinion and are determined to close schools without hesitation.

“I’ve been a Plaid Cymru supporter all my life but not any more,” said the recently retired teacher with 35 years’ service in the classroom under his belt.

“I believe the party’s present leaders have an abhorrent disregard of Gwynedd’s community based schools and the county’s rural life in general,” he said.

In October 2004 Bob Dorkins was elected by the Dwyfor area primary school headmasters to be their representative on Gwynedd Council’s schools’ reorganisation working party but resigned in 2006 in protest against what he perceived to be a sham.

“Leading councillors and officials just refused to listen to those us of us that called for fair play and a transparent and open consultation with parents and governors on the future of their schools,” added Bob Dorkins who has been vocal in public meetings opposing Gwynedd Council’s plans.

“I believe there are individuals on the council who hold too much power and seem to have forgotten Plaid Cymru’s founding principles that put our communities first,” he said.

Bob Dorkins will stand for the election in the Aberdaron ward in the local government election on May 1st. The ward covers the tip of the Llyn Peninsula and comprises of the communities of Anelog, Pencaerau, Rhiw, Rhoshirwaun and Uwchmynydd, as well as the village of Aberdaron itself. Presently the ward in represented by Plaid Cymru councillor, Gareth Roberts.   

“I’ve given a great deal of thought before deciding on standing under the Llais Gwynedd banner,” said Bob Dorkins.

“But I just could not allow Plaid Cymru’s present course of action on rural schools to continue without offering the people of the Aberdaron ward an alternative choice come May’s election,” he said

Bob Dorkins, who is married with two grown-up sons, is originally from Pwllheli and was a secondary school teacher in Liverpool and Powys before being appointed primary school headmaster in the Montgomeryshire village of Pen-y-bont Fawr before taking up a similar position in Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron.

“We’re extremely happy to welcome Bob Dorkins to our ranks,” said Councillor Seimon Glyn, who is a Llais Gwynedd councillor representing Tudweiliog ward.

“His experience in education will be invaluable and who better to take a lead in the defence of our rural schools that are such an integral part of our communities,” he added/