A PARENT-LED campaign to secure a Monmouthshire primary school’s future has the backing of over 300 people – 10 times the number of children educated there.

Angry parents who were told their children would be moved from Llanfair Kilgeddin Church in Wales Primary School to another five miles away just a day before the Easter holiday set up an e-petition, which had been signed by 317 people yesterday (Tues) afternoon.

It urges Monmouthshire council to “categorically state” their plans for the school will not mean permanent closure and further upheaval for its 29 pupils.

Monmouth Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate David Davies, AM Nick Ramsay and Llanover councillor Sara Jones have given the campaign their support.

Sarah Buchanan, whose two daughters Hermione and Eleanor attend the school, said: “I am really quite surprised by the amazing community spirit. It has touched a nerve.

“It would be nice to have some answers (from the council).

“The actions are not matching what they are saying at all.”

She reiterated the feeling that another mother, Nicola Daley, raised last week – that the school was being wound down.

And she said: “It would be wonderful if that school stayed open because there is nothing like it in Monmouthshire. “It is a gem.”

Mrs Buchanan said she wondered why the council has failed to advertise online for a new head teacher. One reason children are being moved is because of the lack of one.

Contingency plans had been put in place at Llanfair Kilgeddin with other schools in September after its former head teacher left for personal reasons, but they collapsed a few weeks ago.

Mrs Buchanan added: “Our interest is very much in resolving the situation amicably. Appointing a head teacher would resolve the issue.”

Monmouthshire Council has said the school has not closed permanently but has so far failed to address what might happen to it in the future.

The authority was shut yesterday (Tues) and so unable to give an updated statement.

The school’s chairman of governors Will McLean has said he will meet with colleagues on April 16 to work out the school’s immediate future.

Last week the chief officer for children and young people Sarah McGuinness said: “The local authority is keen to emphasise that the school has not closed and this is simply two schools sharing a building and facilities with the support and direction of an executive head teacher.

“The local authority will be arranging home to school transport for those pupils who require it.”