A NEWPORT school threatened with closure has won a repreive - but still faces an uncertain long-term future.

Last year it was revealed the council proposed to close Brynglas Primary in August 2009.

Informal discussions were held with governors, staff and parents.

In February, Councillor Bob Poole decided to take the process to the next stage by holding formal consultations.

However, the cabinet member for young people's services has now taken the decision to revoke that decision.

Parents were given letters yesterday (FRI) informing them the school would not close before 2010.

In the letter, sent by headteacher Peter Vinnicombe and governors' chairman Councillor Paul Cockeram, it says the number of pupils after this date would be a "significant factor" in determining whether the school will stay open.

It was originally intended to move St Mary's RC Primary School to Brynglas but it is understood a new school building would be required and funds will not be available until 2012.

Parent Katrina Ainsworth, 26, of Brynglas Drive, said: "I still think we're in no-man's land, because my son, Jordan, would need to be there after 2010.

"It's a lovely school so I'd like for him to make it all the way through.

"We just want a definitive answer now."

Conservative opposition councillor David Fouweather accused the cabinet member, whose ward includes the school, of "dithering".

"Bob Poole must now come clean and tell parents what his real intentions are for this school.

"He will know that some parents have already moved their children or are planning to do so."

Councillor Poole said the decision not to proceed with the closure followed consultations in which the strong views of parents and the community were considered and welcomed.

"The authority has always pledged its commitment to using the Brynglas site for education purposes despite the major issues with a falling number of pupils at the primary school and an increasing surplus capacity."

He explained they were investigating a number of alternative options for the site including a potential location for a Welsh medium primary and the possible relocation of St Mary's.

However, it had been decided the best possible option at the present time was to keep Brynglas Primary open.

"The local education authority thanks all those who have made a positive contribution to the informal consultation process."

Peter Durkin, chairman of the governors, said: "Our view is that we welcome greater clarity from the city council.

"It appears that the Archdiocese still wish to explore this transfer despite the fact that the money will be not be available until 2012.

"The position of St Mary's governing body remains that it does not support the transfer because it does not believe the Brynglas location is appropriate."

Canon Peter Collins, chairman of the Archdiocese of Cardiff's Schools Commission, said the decision regarding Brynglas was entirely a local authority matter.

He confirmed the building there would be unable to accomodate all the St Mary's pupils. A new-build was one of the options and they would need to seek funding assistance from the Assembly.

However, he added they were clear it would be difficult for the school to remain where it was because of development proposals for land surrounding St Mary's.

Council bosses felt there was no alternative to closure for Brynglas which was opened on the estate more than 50 years ago because of falling pupil numbers.

It has under 100 pupils, including 11 in the specialist autistic unit which was due to remain on the site.

Parents faced having to move their children to one of four other schools in Malpas or Crindau.