CAMPAIGNERS campaigning to save three schools in Torfaen vowed to fight on after councillors approved an education blueprint recommending their closure.

Feelings are running high as Torfaen council earmarked Ponthir, Brookfield and Pentwyn primaries for closure in a bid to combat the rising number of surplus places.

Now councillors have approved an updated School Organisation Plan, which includes the controversial proposals to axe the schools.

Final discussions between cabinet members are due to take place on June 8.

And the full council will then vote on whether to go ahead with the closures at an 'extraordinary' council meeting on June 8.

But despite the latest move, which appeared to be an inevitable step forward in the closure plan, campaigners for Brookfield and Ponthir primaries were upbeat.

Paul Underwood, a parent governor at Brookfield, and campaign organiser, said: "We are continuing to consult on our proposals to keep the school, and the meetings we have had with education chiefs have been very positive.

"On each of the seven criteria laid down for closure, we have provided solid arguments countering those of the council, so we remain quietly optimistic."

Campaigners fighting to save Brookfield School drew up a £580,000 plan to improve the site and take pupils from nearby Oakfield Primary.

Education chiefs were said to be impressed by the proposals and twice met campaigners to discuss them.

The seven criteria laid down by the council include number of surplus places, number of pupils drawn from outside the school's catchment area, and academic achievement.

Chairman of Ponthir community council Jenny Nancarrow said: "We are as upbeat as ever and extremely busy with the campaign.

"We are still hopeful the decision on June 8 will not go against us."

Mrs Nancarrow said "new developments" in the campaign would be revealed shortly.

* As reported in the Argus, campaigners fighting to save Trevethin Community school in Pontypool took their case to the National Assembly last week.

The group is also in the process of taking the matter to the High Court for a judicial review.

The council voted in February to close the school.