PLANS to close a Torfaen school after nearly 150 years were greeted with dismay by locals.

The Argus reported yesterday that councillors have begun moves to close down Upper Cwmbran Infants and Nursery School at the end of the academic year.

The school celebrated its 150th anniversary this year, but has six teachers and nine other staff for only 44 pupils - a fall of 32 from last year.

And, with numbers expected to continue falling, it faces a potential deficit of over £90,000.

A report from Torfaen's assistant director of education said to make up that deficit at least one teacher would be made redundant and support staff were at risk.

The school's governors have already voted unanimously to seek the closure of the school from September 2004, and on Tuesday Torfaen council's cabinet voted to begin consultation on closure.

But parents at the school gates greeted the news with dismay. Part-time maths teacher Julia Foster, 36, of Trinity Road, Cwmbran, told the Argus: "Both my children have enjoyed themselves here.

"It's a little school and it's a different atmosphere. Everybody knows everybody, and it's sad it has to close."

Housekeeper Penny Batchelor, 36, of Greenfield Close, Cwmbran, said: "I'm not happy with the plans. They say they are thinking of the children's education, but they have a good education here now."

Care assistant Suzanne Harding, 33, of Greenwood Avenue, Cwmbran, said: "I'm a bit sad about it. My little girl goes to the nursery and my son, Ethan, is at the school, and it looks like I will have to take them both out."

Shop worker Catherine Farr, 32, of Greenwood Avenue, said: "I think it's terrible what they are proposing. My son will have his education disrupted."

Electrical engineer Stephen Babos, 38, of Laurel Green, Cwmbran, said: "It's terrible that there are plans to shut the school. I have offered to take up a petition about it, but I think it's a done deal."

And professional musician Scott Wilson, 24, of Nant Celyn Close, Cwmbran, agreed: "If there are fewer students in the school, then that means higher grades.

"I won't be happy with the school being closed. There will be no continuity for my children."

The council cannot legally close the school until September 2004, but if there is a voluntary move to close it by the governors and parents it could be mothballed by September of next year. ENDS