THE CLOSURE of a secondary school in a deprived Gwent community moved a step closer yesterday.

Torfaen council's cabinet voted to close Trevethin Community School and move pupils to two other Pontypool comprehensives, West Monmouth and Abersychan.

But, speaking after the meeting, protesters vowed to fight on to save the school.

Torfaen cabinet voted six to two in favour of the controversial proposals, despite massive public opposition and the objections of the council's deputy leader, Lewis Jones.

Director of education Mike De Val said: "It is important we do not see this as a disinvestment but a reinvestment.

"This is about creating viable and sustainable comprehensives with a community focus.

"I appreciate there has been significant opposition to this proposal. There was not a fundamental challenge to the educational vision but there was significant opposition on other grounds."

Trevethin was earmarked for closure because of a dramatic drop in pupils to under 400. The council said the school is no longer viable and does not offer a broad curriculum to pupils.

Councillor John Turner, cabinet member for education, said: "The fact and the reality is that the school as it is, is now is too small to deliver a broad curriculum.

"Trevethin pupils are receiving the poorest educational opportunities in the whole of Torfaen if not the whole of Wales."

Councillor Margaret Pead made an appeal to her cabinet colleagues, saying: "Instead of saying 'let's close schools', let's see if there is any other way we can keep these schools open because we don't really want this."

Council leader Bob Wellington praised parents and protesters who had fought the council plans.

Last year they organised one of the largest public protests Pontypool had ever seen when hundreds of pupils and parents marched on the civic centre.

Councillor Wellington said: "I have a lot of respect for the way you argued your case. I think you have fought a good battle and a clean battle."

Now the cabinet's decision must be agreed by a meeting of the full council next week, before going to Wales education minister Jane Davidson for final approval.

If agreed, the school would close in July 2007.