RESIDENTS opposing a Gwent housing development are vowing to keep fighting after the scheme was given outline planning permission.

Torfaen council wants to sell the site of a former primary school to housing developers but locals in Abersychan say the building should be used to serve the community.

The school, Pentwyn Primary, was closed amid controversy last year. It was one of three earmarked for closure as part of Torfaen's reorganisation of primary education.

Ponthir Primary was saved after education minister Jane Davidson ruled against closing it, while Brookfield Primary in Cwmbran - the other school involved - is still the subject of a fierce campaign to save it.

Now outline planning permission has been granted to knock Pentwyn down and build 10 houses in its place.

The council will now look to sell the site with this outline permission in place.

Protestor Elaine Sargent said they would fight any application by a developer for full planning permission, insisting the building should be sold to the community.

She said: "We would ask that the council will delay the demolition of this much-loved historic school building that has served the community for nearly a century and re-consider selling it to our community and not to a developer."

But Councillor Ken Clarke said: "The community did not want the school to shut but the chances of us now overturning the decision of cabinet and council are virtually nil.

"We are looking at putting a bid in for funding for a whole new club that would be a social space and community hall, a youth club, and a cricket and rugby club all in one.

"If the Pentwyn people could put their energies to perhaps helping with this that could be great for the town."