THE fight to save a day centre for disabled people will continue, despite the fact that councillors have agree a new £24m superschool will be built on the site.

As the Argus reported yesterday, Torfaen councillors have agreed the proposed Torfaen Learning Centre should be built on the west bank of the Afon Lwyd in Pontnewynydd This means the Ty Nant Ddu day centre on Hospital Road, which is used by 98 people from across the borough, will close within the next few years.

Mary Edwards, 61, of Penygraig Terrace, told the Argus she was devastated. Mrs Edward's husband David, 64, uses the centre regularly.

She said: "This is a blow to clients of Ty Nant Ddu. I will carry on the fight to save Ty Nant Ddu. We cannot let it drop - too many people will be affected."

And Joyce Gregory, of Lewis Terrace, added: "We need to get off our backsides and fight this. People take their spouses there (Ty Nant Ddu) to get some respite. These people are going to be devastated. They want the service; they wouldn't go there if they didn't." During the cabinet meeting, councillor Gwiliam Evans had said the centre was "nothing but bricks and mortar".

He said: "It's the people inside we have to care about. Social services say this change, with the school, will allow us, over the next couple of years, to redevelop and revamp the social care of the people."

Bob Wellington, deputy leader of the council, said: "We have explored every avenue to make sure that this site really is the best option and I am satisfied that it is.

"People who need day care services and support can be assured that the council will improve the standards of service it provides at Ty Nant Ddu and elsewhere." Three councillors voiced opposition to the decision.

One, Lewis Jones, said: "We are going to demolish a building that is 15 years old for no reason whatsoever. I feel horrified this building is going to come down." Councillors had received a report by Mike de Val, director of education, ruling out three other options.