Cabinet Member pays tribute to Council staff

During a meeting of Full Council last night, a Cabinet Member read out a statement praising the hard work of Vale staff following the recent fire at St Athan.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “I want to pay tribute to everyone who pitched in to help after the recent fire at St Athan Primary School.

“There are so many people to mention here, including the staff who oversaw an exemplary fire drill – all children were out on the yard within two minutes – and the library staff who immediately found alternative accommodation for displaced classes.

“The education psychologists who arrived early in the process to reassure and counsel staff and children distressed by events and members of the St Athan community.

“I must also thank our own staff at the Vale Council - including the education department and other departments, who worked tirelessly over half term to ensure that provision was made for all children to continue their education seamlessly in suitable surroundings. 

“This is a tribute to the people we employ, those with whom we work, and members of our communities.”

Cllr Birch also thanked the volunteers from Morgan Sindall and HLM who offered their help with logistics, setting up classrooms and moving furniture as well as the PTA who stepped in to support the learners and school staff.

Following her statement, Cllr Birch proceeded to call for a vote of thanks to everyone who helped, including staff, officers and the wider St Athan community.

The vote was seconded and the vote of thanks carried unanimously.