TODAY is the last day for campaigners fighting plans to close Monmouthshire schools to have their say, as public consultation ends.

In the 10 months since the local education authority first unveiled its proposals, angry campaigners have attended more than 100 public meetings, collected thousands of signatures on 12 petitions, written sacks full of letters, and staged a demonstration outside the National Assembly building in Cardiff Bay.

Norma Watkins, of Save Monmouthshire and Abergavenny Schools and chair of governors at threatened Park Street Infants school, is among protesters set to hand over petitions and suggestions at Monmouthshire County Hall this morning.

She said: "We really don't see the point in closing good schools when the council haven't even got a physical drawing for what will replace them.

"Three quarters of the town say they don't want these changes. We will continue to look for a loophole to stop them."

Tomorrow the proposals go to the Wales education minister Jane Davidson for a final decision on whether the proposed closures can go ahead.

An announcement is expected in early May.

Protest groups insist they will use the next four months to keep the pressure on.

Mrs Watkins said: "An elderly man told me he will lie in front of the diggers before they destroy Park Street school. He feels so strongly it shouldn't be taken down.

"The community is behind us 100 per cent."

She said despite two periods of consultation with the council, the plans have changed little from when they were unveiled in March last year.

Councillor Rob Griffiths, cabinet member for lifelong learning, said the council had offered many opportunities for the public to express its thoughts, and taken suggestions on board.

He added the proposals, part of the council's Strategic Review of Education, were needed to meet Assembly guidelines on class size and building quality, and would also ensure greater opportunities for children and adults in the town.