AS the council officer in charge of education in Torfaen, Mike de Val has been in the firing line of angry parents and protesters fighting council proposals to close schools.

But despite coming in for heavy criticism for his department's unpopular policies, Mr de Val has stood firm on plans to close three primaries to reduce a surplus of places.

Mr de Val said: "The position we face across the whole county borough is significant demographic decline and an enormous capital need of 30 million to get school buildings up to standard by 2010.

"We have 26% more spaces than we need in the primary sector costing half a million pounds.

"We have come in for criticism from the Audit Commission and Estyn, who have said we are tardy in addressing these issues."

Ponthir School, Pentwyn School in Abersychan and Brookfield School in Cwmbran have been earmarked for closure after a huge review of primary education in Torfaen.

Seven other junior and infants schools are going to be amalgamated.

The council estimates there will be 2,500 empty desks in Torfaen by 2008 - one in four primary school places.

Mr de Val said: "I would ask people to consider the position from a whole authority perspective. There are 17,000 pupils in Torfaen, the majority are educated in premises that are not up to standard.

"We need to stop wasting money on surplus places so the majority of children can have a better learning environment."

Mr de Val and executive member for education councillor John Turner have faced huge opposition and a barrage of criticism from parents.

Mr de Val said: "People don't like closing schools and I accept that. If I was a parent in that situation I would probably feel the same. I haven't been surprised by the level of opposition. I think people value their school, they feel a great deal of affection for their local school. I sympathise and understand, but I'm viewing the issue from the whole borough's perspective."