PARENTS battling a huge shake-up of Monmouthshire schools warn they are prepared to continue their fight "for years".

On Monday Monmouth-shire council ends public consultation on its £10m plans to close eight primary schools and create three larger ones.

The plans - the biggest changes ever to the county's primary education - have been bitterly debated since their unveiling last March.

The council has held two public consultations. Now, as the second and final period closes, angry parents are determined to keep the pressure on decision-makers.

Laurie Jones, campaign manager of Save Mon-mouthshire and Abergav-enny Schools (SMASCH) and a vice-chairman of governors at Abergavenny's closure-threatened Park Street Infants School, said: "Monday is our final date for submitting our objections to the council, but it doesn't mean it's the end of the matter. We will continue to lobby and we believe the consultation is flawed.

"The council didn't expect the reaction that they have got. We are not going to go away. We are talking about years rather than weeks."

The final decision lies with Wales' education minister, Jane Davidson. She is expected to make a decision on the proposals by early May.

But Mr Jones added: "Even if the Assembly approves the proposals it's not the end. We can object to any future planning applications of school buildings.

"We want the council to re-open negotiations with SMASCH and the schools. We have a tremendous amount of support."

Sarah Francis, of Parents Against Croesonen Closure, said both public consultations were disappointments that had had little effect.

Councillor Rob Griffiths, cabinet member for lifelong learning, said the public consultation had involved over 100 meetings.

He added: "Everybody should have had the opportunity to put their case forward. It hasn't been easy, and now we need to reassure people that we are trying to improve education."

The proposals involve closing Park Street Infants, Croesonen Infants, St David's Junior and Llwynu Infants.

Larger primaries would be created by a new build on the Llwynu site and by extending Harold Road Junior. A Welsh-medium primary will open on the site of St David's.

Llanfoist Primary, Llanover Primary and Llanfair Kilgeddin would close and be replaced by a larger Govilon Primary. Llanellen Primary has already closed.

Under the proposals, part of the council's Strategic Review of Education, Green Lane Junior in Caldicot will also close.

The county council says it is necessary to meet UK government guidelines on class sizes and building quality.

PICTURED: Park Street Infants School pupils David Eeles (left) and James Coulton.