Residents of a small village in Ceredigion have been left stunned after police found evidence of cannabis being grown in a former primary school. On March 25, Dyfed Powys Police seized evidence of cannabis being grown from the building formerly known as Pontsian Community Primary School.
The news has come as a shock to both those who live in the small village and those who walked through the primary school’s doors during its 137-year history. Former Pontsian school headteacher of 39 years Delyth Davies said the news left her feeling saddened and confused about how this could happen to a once cherished place in the community.
Mrs Davies said: “Naturally I was shocked. I couldn’t understand how this had happened. But more than anything I felt sad. This was a building that has been filled with laughter and fun over the years. It was a happy place for so many children, and to think this has happened to the school after it was closed is upsetting.”
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Vicky Hawkins had lived in the Pontsian area for most of her life and previously attended the school. She echoed the thoughts of the former headteacher. Vicky said: “I found it a bit comical to begin with, because you don’t expect to find something like that in Pontsian. But then I felt really sad because that’s my old school, that’s where I spent the majority of my childhood.
“I wasn’t shocked though. Everything is shut, the shops, the school and no one goes to the village anymore. It’s just dead now. There was that opportunity, and someone just took it.”
A Dyfed Powys Police spokesperson said: “Police received a report outlining suspicions that cannabis was being grown at a former school in Pontsian on March 25, 2023. Officers attended and entered the building to ensure nobody was inside as it did not appear to be safe. Evidence of cannabis having been grown in the building was seized.”
Investigations are currently ongoing. Dyfed Powys Police has asked if people anyone entering the building or any suspicious behaviour in the area to contact them, either by calling 101, texting the non-emergency number on 07811 311908 or emailing 101@dyfed-powyd.pnn.police.uk.
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