Four primary schools in rural mid Wales that were at risk of closing are to stay open, Ceredigion council have said.
Previously, the council said it was looking to close the schools due to low pupil numbers and a lack of funding.
More than 150 people protested against the proposed closures in September, which would have seen the schools close in August 2025.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the council said an informal consultation to gather the views of the local communities will be held instead.
According to a number of backbench councillors at a meeting in Aberaeron on Tuesday, people have lost faith in Ceredigion council’s processes.
The comments were made following a legal challenge to the council’s proposed closures of the four rural primary schools next year – which led to the council reversing its plans.
Solicitors representing the four schools – Ysgol Craig yr Wylfa in Borth, Ysgol Llangwyryfon, Ysgol Syr John Rhys in Ponterwyd and Ysgol Llanfihangel y Creuddyn – applied for a judicial review of the proposals at the high court in Cardiff.
They challenged the council’s timetable for the school reorganisation process, and aspects of the consultation documents.
Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, the chairs of the governors of the four schools sent a letter to cabinet members claiming that senior council officers “misled” councillors before a crucial vote on the future of the schools in September.
In the letter, the governors allege that the council’s Chief Executive, Eifion Evans and Corporate Director Barry Rees, made “misrepresentations” to the cabinet.
Hugh Hughes, who represents Borth, said: “I’ve been in public service for over 40 years now and I don’t think I’ve ever been in an organisation that has got the total lack of trust that we seem to have currently with the public.
“There have been serious allegations made, I don’t know if they are true or not.
“I think we need some sort of independent review to look at these serious allegations that are being made, to restore public confidence in this council.”
Councillor Marc Davies, from Ciliau Aeron ward, added: “What worries me more than anything in this process is the loss of confidence among the public in us as councillors, the cabinet and in the officers. It’s clear.”
