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Multi-million pound plans to close four small primary schools and build one new replacement have been backed by councillors in Ceredigion.

Work is expected to start on the new £5m school in Brynhoffnant, near Llandysul, in April, and the opening date is expected to be September 2012.

Four primaries at nearby Blaenporth, Glynarthen, Pontgarreg and Rhydlewis will shut on 31 August next year.

Ceredigion council said the plan had received "unanimous support".

The local authority added that the new school would cater for 150 pupils.

A spokeswoman said: "Following significant consultation regarding the development of an area school at Brynhoffnant, four schools have expressed a desire to be included in the project and to subsequently move to the new site on completion of the work.

"This has received unanimous support from the four communities and there is considerable excitement about the project in the area.

"The four schools are Blaenporth, Glynarthen, Pontgarreg and Rhydlewis community schools."

She said Ceredigion council's cabinet had agreed to close the schools on 31 August next year and open the new building at Brynhoffnant the following month.