PARENTS and pupils fighting to save a Gwent comprehensive school are gearing up to have their say at the first of a series of public meetings tonight.

Torfaen council is talking to hundreds of families in the north of the borough over the next three weeks about its controversial proposal to close Trevethin Community School.

The first meeting is at 7pm tonight at Trevethin Community School.

Council education chiefs said: "Anyone with an interest in the future of secondary school education in north Torfaen is invited."

The council blames falling pupil numbers at Trevethin and an inability to provide the National Curriculum as key reasons for the closure, as well as the need to subsidise it at the cost of other schools across the borough.

Arthur Attwood, chairman of the Communities Acting Together, the campaign group fighting to keep Trevethin School open, said he expects a large turnout tonight, but is concerned about the other consultations.

"We are worried that there is apathy from parents of the other schools involved," said Mr Attwood.

Torfaen council prefers the option to close Trevethin School and move pupils to West Monmouth and Abersychan schools.

"I don't think the parents at those schools fully appreciate the implications of this decision," said Mr Attwood.

"It is not just about closing Trevethin, their children will be affected as well, so it is vital they attend the consultations, too."

Last week CAT held a fun day in Trevethin to raise support for their campaign, and will be handing out leaflets about the consultations to parents and pupils of Penygarn Junior School today.

Mr Attwood said: "We had an excellent fun day that was really well supported. I was amazed at the number of people who showed an interest in the school closure.

"We need as many people to turn up for these consultations as possible to make them viable, no matter what side of the argument they support."

* Consultations for parents all start at 7pm: Trevethin Community School, November 1; West Mon School, November 2; Abersychan School, November 4; Cwmffrwdoer Primary, November 8; Penygarn Junior School, November 9; Griffithstown Junior School, November 11; Council Chamber, County Hall, November 15; Blaenavon Leisure Centre, November 16.