CAMPAIGNERS are still looking to explore the possible options available to them to save two Torfaen schools following the latest legal blow on Friday.

At present, Abersychan Brynteg Nursery School and Victoria Primary School will close their doors in September 2017, as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

On Friday, the Honourable Mr Justice Lewis refused to grant a judicial review at the oral hearing at the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre, after the written application was denied in June.

“Everyone up here is absolutely devastated. There is such anger at this decision,” said Chris Tew, 50, who lives next door to the school.

“We felt so let down. Nobody in this community wants to the school to close. It is the heart of our community. Worst of all, we feel that nobody is listening to us or has listened to us.”

Under the proposals, children from Brynteg and Victoria will be heading to Cwmffrwdoer and Garnteg primary schools in line with the recommendations.

“There are still issues over the safe routes to school, and parents have not had their worries eased on that fact,” he added.

“We have a few things left which we can try but as a number of people have gone away for the summer holidays, we are going to get together again in about a fortnight and discuss what we can do.

“But I have three children that go to the school and they are very upset. The children love the schools, as do the parents and teachers. We just can’t understand any of the decision,” added Mr Tew.

The decision to close the schools in Abersychan was approved by Torfaen council in February, after its cabinet voted seven to one in favour of the proposals.

In May, Brynteg received its Estyn report, where it received an excellent rating from the inspectors.

“The nursery received an excellent rating in their Estyn report and the staff have been asked about going to other nurseries to give their advice. Victoria has received a good rating as well,” he added.

“Both schools are fully booked. You could understand it if there were gaps or free spaces, but there are none. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Mr Tew added that on the advice of their legal representation, they may not be seeking an appeal to the decision.