THE decision to close a Torfaen school and nursery will be challenged in court as the law firm representing the campaigners have confirmed the acknowledgement of the legal proceedings.

Abersychan Brynteg Nursery and Victoria Primary school will close in September 2017, following the proposals as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

Under the proposals, the children at the closing school will be moving to either Garnteg or Cwmffrwdoer primary schools as suggested alternatives.

Steph Williams, a parent and chairwoman of The Victoria Primary Parents Committee, said: “We’re devastated that the council is proposing to close our local primary school.

“Our children are settled there and uprooting them would cause upset and distress. Our school is performing well and has a high demand so it does not make sense to close it."

"We don’t think the council has acted correctly as the consultation for the extension of Garnteg school was conducted before any local residents had any indication that there were plans to close Victoria Primary School."

The solicitor representing the campaigners, Michael Imperato, a partner at partner at Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, has worked with parents from schools in the past, working with Ysgol Brynhyfryd to stop free school transport from being cut by Denbighshire County Council.

Mr Imperato said: “We have a number of concerns regarding the way in which Torfaen County Borough Council has acted, with particular importance being placed on the way the council has run its consultations.

“There is also evidence that the council misinterpreted pupils’ answers on a survey they were asked to complete which questioned how they would feel if they had to move schools."

“I have worked on a number of similar cases, where we have secured a successful result for campaigners, and we’re hopeful that the Judge will view this case positively,” he added.

Mrs Williams added: "We’re hopeful that Michael, who has worked on several very similar cases, will be able to help fight to save our school and show how it is a necessity to our local community.”

In February, Torfaen’s cabinet, and council later that month, voted in favour of the Welsh Government proposals to close the schools.

A spokesman from Torfaen council said: “As this claim is now proceeding it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage.”