PROTESTERS who fought plans for the siting of a new £1million sports centre at a school said they never thought the plug would be pulled on the whole project.

But they said they had no regrets over protesting over plans to build a centre in front of St Julian's School.

Around 100 residents said they wanted the building built at the back. Yesterday the Argus revealed the council had axed the plans and now wants the grant cash to go to Bettws Comprehensive.

Mum Shelley Bridgman, of Heather Road, was among residents who backed the principle of a new centre, but not the location.

She said: "I didn't think the council would do this. It's a terrible result. The school really does deserve it.

"But I've no regrets about protesting. It's better not to have it at all than have it round the front. It would've spoiled the look of the school."

And Val Johns, of St Julians Avenue, said: "I'm pleased it isn't going there but I'm not happy that we've lost it. It's ridiculous that it couldn't go round the back. There's loads of room.

"I will have four grandchildren at that school next year. It really needs better sports facilities."

The St Julian's sports centre would have brought a sports hall, games courts, a fitness suite, new changing rooms and meeting areas to the 1,420 pupil school and surrounding community.

Headteacher Steve Marshall attacked the council for giving him just two days' notice that the New Opportunity fund cash might be going elsewhere. He said siting the centre at the front would shrink the school's only full-size sports pitch.

Reverend Roger Williams of St Julian's Church said: "I've mixed feelings. I'm glad the building won't be going up but it's a shame for the school. But if this had been handled sensibly it could've been avoided."

David Edwards, 71, of Tudor Road, said: "I'm very pleased it's been withdrawn completely.

"I would've been facing a huge wall round the back of my house with floodlights on until 10pm.

"The council wanted to place it with no regard for residents or property. It's part of the reason Labour got voted out of St Julians."

A council spokeswoman cited "increased building costs, public opposition and concerns regarding revenue costs" as the reasons behind the decision.

She said the Bettws proposals will include an all-weather pitch and a revamp of the existing hall.

Bob Meier, head teacher of Bettws Comprehensive, said: "We are delighted with the news. Our facilities are poor and badly need upgrading. But I'm sad for St Julian's. Every school should have an upgrade.

"The Astroturf will be fully utilised by the community. I hope it will all be ready by September next year."