PONTYPOOL ski slope users say they are "devastated" at news it will be closed over the summer as part of £9.2million council cuts.

Torfaen council is planning to close Wales’ longest artificial ski slope from April until the end of September as part of proposed budget cuts which will result in 80 job losses.

But skiers say closing the slope during the summer, when it is also used for competitions including the Welsh Championships and the Celtic Cup races, will have a major impact on the area as well as on the sport as a whole.

Chairman of the Torfaen Ski Club, which has around 40 members, Ian Gurner said: "It will devastate us as a club. We use the slope every week.

"Even if we go elsewhere we are not going to be able to get the same quality of slope.

"This facility is more than just figures on a spreadsheet. It is an important aspect of many people’s lives.

Gary Cooper, 40, of Cwmbran, is a club member and uses the slope with wife Louise and 13-year-old son Thomas. Thomas competes in the sport.

Mr Cooper said: "It is devastating. With our work commitments, we won’t be able to travel elsewhere on a weekly basis.

"Lots of competitions take place there so closing it would have an impact on skiing in south Wales as well as on the sport in general.

Programme manager of Snowsport Wales, the governing body of skiing and snowboarding in Wales, Robin Kellen said: "We are looking to try and resolve the issues as this is a fantastic facility which needs to be given the opportunity to thrive."

Leader of Torfaen council, Cllr Bob Wellington said: "We are in very difficult times with the budget and do not want to lose anybody from any department. We are doing the best we can in the situation."

A 30-day consultation with staff affected by the budget saving proposals is ongoing.