PARENTS have collected nearly 300 signatures in a last ditch attempt to avert the closure of a high performing school in Torfaen.

Families held a protest outside Pontnewynydd Primary School yesterday though Torfaen chiefs approved the closure last year.

The Labour-run council plans to shut the 1903 school this summer as part of a cost saving programme to reduce the number of surplus school places in Torfaen.

But parents fear their children will not get the same standard of education at other primary schools in Torfaen.

Pontnewynydd primary was ranked as “excellent” when it was last inspected by Estyn in 2011.

Local mum Kimberly Cope, 29, said: “The children all enjoy the school, how they learn, their teachers, the other children in the school and so much more.”

The parents understood their children could get a place at a school of their choice after the planned closure was unveiled. However, they now believe this may not happen. Parent Shaun Smith claimed this showed a total lack of respect for families and their children.

Torfaen cabinet approved the closure of the school in Lower Leigh Road in 2014. The cabinet was previously told Pontnewynydd Primary the school had been identified in an independent survey commissioned by Welsh Government as a category C/D condition school. Category A means a school is in good condition.

The children are to be transferred to other schools, with most pupils expected to attend Penygarn Primary School. However, parents fear Penygarn it may not have enough space or dinner facilities to cope with an influx of pupils.

The campaigners hope to present their petition to council representatives on Friday. A Torfaen council spokesman said: “The council appreciates that any school closure is an emotive matter for communities and has sought to engage with everyone involved with the Pontnewynydd school proposals for more than a year.

“The Pontnewynydd proposals form part of the council’s 21st Century Schools programme which is ensuring that Torfaen has schools that are fit for purpose, of the right size and in the right location. The proposal to close the school was approved by following a formal consultation period where all the views put forward and responses were considered by the council.”

The council said there is capacity at Penygarn to accommodate the pupils from Pontnewynydd, should parents/carers choose to send them there.