A GROUP of architects are trying to save a much criticised school building which is due to be replaced.

Heritage watchdogs Cadw visited Bettws High School in Newport on Monday to consider a request to list the school.

Newport council's proposal to build an £18 million new school to replace the present dilapidated buildings was warmly welcomed when it was announced.

Bettws was built in the early 1970s and is now suffering from concrete cancer.

It was also considered by many to be badly designed. Before it even opened it was described as looking like a factory.

So it could cause some disbelief that there is now a campaign to save it from the bulldozer.

Councillor Bob Poole, cabinet member for young people's services, stressed the council was continuing with plans for the new school and looked forward to the landmark new building and facilities opening in 2009.