CONTROVERSIAL plans for a split site school at Rogerstone could still go ahead - despite massive objections from parents.

Newport council's Cabinet will again consider its proposal for temporary replacements for fire-gutted Roger-stone Primary, following a stormy public meeting last week. But the outcome could still remain the same.

As the Argus reported last week, following the meeting on Thursday, education chiefs agreed to discuss the plans at cabinet once again.

The preferred temporary option for Rogerstone - outlined to parents at the meeting - was to have a split site school, with nursery and reception classes taught on the Rogerstone site, and the rest of the school taught on the Westfield site in Malpas.

But that option was rejected by parents, who preferred the option of staying at the Rogerstone site in demountable classrooms.

Councillor John Pembridge, cabinet member for young people's services, was criticised by parents at the meeting for allegedly failing to address their concerns over a number of issues.

Councillor Pembridge told parents he would bring their concerns back to cabinet - but their priority was pupils' welfare and education.

He said: "I listened to what the parents said at their meeting on Thursday evening and will make cabinet aware of their views at our July meeting.

"We are continuing with plans to create an early years centre on the school site, using demountable buildings.

"The older children will continue temporarily to receive their education away from the school site.

"My main concern is for ensuring that any temporary arrangements that are put in place do not jeopardise the quality of the education that the children receive or their welfare."

Bus shelters will be built on the Rogerstone site to provide cover for the older children in poor weather conditions.

Councillor Pembridge added that the overall aim was to have newly-built premises on the Rogerstone site by September 2005.