THE futures of Sir Thomas Picton (STP) and Tasker Milward schools in Haverfordwest look secure for the time being after talks over the reorganisation of education in mid and north Pembrokeshire stalled.

As readers will be aware, Pembrokeshire County Council had consulted over the closure of both schools and the creation of a single school on the STP site, with sixth form provision to be provided at Pembrokeshire College.

A new Welsh medium age 3-16 school was planned for the Tasker’s site.

The plans proved hugely controversial, with several protests being staged outside County Hall, particularly about the lack of choice being offered with regard to sixth form provision.

And the trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity – which owns the land at Tasker Milward – also launched strong objections.

They raised the possibility of legal action and trapping the plans in a “myriad of objections” court hearings and appeals.

That prompted a rethink on behalf of the council in July.

And, in papers which have just been released, a recommendation has now been put forward to postpone the Haverfordwest element of the shake-up in a bid to find a way forward.

In the report to members of Pembrokeshire County Council, the Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evan-Hughes, writes: “Since the July 16 meeting, offers to meet with the Trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity have not resulted in a meeting.

“In order to progress the development of education provision for pupils in north, west and south Pembrokeshire – a fundamental part of the strategy to improve standards, it is proposed to postpone the element relating to Haverfordwest to enable further discussion in pursuit of a mutually agreeable solution that meets the case for change and the imperative to improve standards of attainment for young people.”

The extraordinary meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council takes place on Thursday, September 10.