IT’S the final countdown for the consultation into a proposal that could see £44m invested into two new mixed-sex secondary schools in Barry.

The consultation, which will decide the future of Barry Comprehensive School and Bryn Hafren Comprehensive school began in early September and will close on Monday, October, 17.

A sum of £11.5m has been earmarked for new facilities and improvements for buildings on the current Bryn Hafren School site and £32.5m for a new school building and Centre of Behavioural Excellence on the Barry Comprehensive School site.

Vale council, cabinet member for regeneration and education, Councillor Lis Burnett said: “We know that both parents and pupils are passionate about the future of English-medium schooling in Barry and so are urging everyone who has not already done so to have their say before the consultation closes.”

If there is support from parents and pupils then the new schools, which will replace the existing single-sex comprehensive schools, would open in September 2018.

Both new schools would have a capacity of 1100 places.

The creation of two new mixed sex schools would also see new catchment areas established.

The consultation is open to all interested parties, with a focus on parents, pupils, and staff.

Responses can be submitted online at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/barryschools, in writing, or by calling the council’s C1V contact centre.