COUNCILLORS on a Newport estate have moved to quash rumours over the future of two primary schools.

There are widespread fears over the long-term future of the Malpas Park and Malpas Court schools, which are quite near each other, following the publication of the council's Schools Organisa-tion Plan.

Falling birthrates have led city councillors to look at the situation and a forum was instructed to prepare a report and then hold public meetings between councillors and the public. These sparked fears among parents of children at Malpas Park school that their school is set to close.

Chairman of the forum Councillor Ron Morris said the falling birth rate is reducing the need for the three schools in Malpas.

The third school is the Malpas Church in Wales School and is unlikely to be affected.

The three ward councillors have said the closure of one of the schools has not been discussed by the forum.

Councillor Bill Langsford said: "No decision has been made. Unfortunately, as rumours are spread more people start believing them. "We fully understand the concerns of parents over this issue."

The Malpas councillors have issued a statement saying: "Any changes that are necessary because of falling roles will be made in the interests of local children and based on educational, not financial, needs.

"A number of options have been discussed and none of them involve the closure of Malpas Park or Court Schools."