THE fight has a started to save three village schools from the threat of closure.

Within minutes of the decision by Monmouthshire county council's cabinet yesterday to start consultation on the possible closure of Darenfelen in Llanelly Hill, Clydach and Llanover primary schools, two councillors asked for the decision to be looked at again.

Councillors Anthony Carrington and Simon Howarth signed a call-in request, which means the decision has to be reconsidered by the council, and could end up being decided by all 43 councillors, rather than eight cabinet members.

They both represent the Clydach and Llanelly Hill areas where the two village schools are threatened with closure in July 2006.

The cabinet member for education, Councillor Peter Fox, said he wanted to make it clear that their final decision would not be made until March, because they are now going to consult with staff, governors and parents at all three schools.

In a plea to save Darenfelen Primary School, Councillor Carrington told the cabinet that he had the result of a survey which showed there was a need for affordable houses to be built in Llanelly Hill, which would bring another 31 children into the village, and make the school viable.

Head teacher of Darenfelen and Clydach, Sian McGrath, said yesterday she was "devastated" by the council's plans.

She said: "Both are lovely schools and have a very important place in both villages."