A GWENT education chief today insisted a controversial proposal to close a comprehensive school will not be "steam-rollered through".
Torfaen council's director for education, Mike de Val, is adamant no decision has yet been made on whether to close Trevethin Community School - but he said "maintaining the status quo" was not an option, as he tries to resolve the problem of falling pupil numbers and limited resources in north Torfaen.
The possibility of closure has prompted anger in the community, culminating in a recent demonstration through the streets of Pontypool by parents.
Mr de Val said he's ready to go out and listen to the community.
"I recognise the strength of feeling but we can't bury our heads - we have to be realistic about the future," said Mr de Val.
He added: "My job is to put the issues to people, and for people to make choices. At the end of the day, the Assembly education minister will make the final decision.
"I care about the community in Trevethin, and I want people to know that whether or not the school closes other schemes such as a community learning facility and a youth training centre will go ahead."
Torfaen council is holding public consultations on its "preferred option" - approved by cabinet. This would see Trevethin close, and pupils going to West Monmouth and Abersychan schools instead, which would have £12.2 million spent on them.
A decreasing roll at Trevethin and its inability to provide a wide-ranging curriculum are the main reasons for the consultation. At the moment, the school has 400 pupils, and the council estimates this number will continue to fall.
"Every other secondary school in Torfaen is foregoing some cash to subsidise Trevethin and this will get more serious," he said.
"We have spent as much per pupil as we have at every secondary school in the borough.
"Even if we spent the £2 million needed to bring the fabric of the school up to standard, that's all we would have, there wouldn't be any new facilities."
Mr de Val said there was no evidence to suggest pupil numbers would rise if there was substantial investment in Trevethin.
He added: "The council and community have a choice - do we carry on subsidising a school with a narrow curriculum or follow a vision for the 21st century?
"We are going out there to listen to people - every comment, with our response will be recorded and seen by the education minister."
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