A MOTHER of a Garnlydan Primary School pupil says parents will continue to fight against plans to close the school next year.

Blaenau Gwent's Executive Committee approved plans on Wednesday to proceed with the publication of statutory notices regarding the closure of Garnlydan Primary School near Ebbw Vale.

The plans will see the school shut on August 31, next year, with pupils from Garnlydan then given priority admission to Rhos-y-Fedwen Primary School one mile away in Rassau.

Donna Heath, 36, lives next to the school on Heathfield Close which her six-year-old son Keelan Curtis attends.

She said: "This fight is not over. I am so angry that the council are trying to close the school and we just can't let it happen.

"I know there are going to be meetings between parents to see what we can do next, but it seems no-one is listening to us at the moment.

"I will chain myself to the gates if I have too, that is how far I am willing to fight these plans."

A petition against the closure signed by 70 people including parents and residents has been handed over to the council.

A council report identified that the school needed to close following a significant decline in pupil numbers.

It said: "Low pupil numbers limited the school budget and the numbers of teaching staff at the school. This had resulted in a requirement to teach across a wide range of ages.

In these circumstances the ability to deliver high-quality education for all pupils is restricted."

The school currently has 30 pupils but can accommodate 118.

Following the Statutory Notices, interested parties have two months to object before a further report on the plans are considered.

Cabinet members have asked for further research into the safety of the walking route between Garnlydan and Rhos-y-Fedwen Primary School to take place during that period.