OUTRAGED campaigners say Monmouthshire council's cabinet has made "a mockery of democracy" by overturning a decision to keep two Abergavenny schools open.

Yesterday's decision by the new cabinet, which comsists of eight Labour members, to axe Park Street and Croesonen Infants Schools, came after the schools were given a reprieve by the full council's free vote last week.That reprieve lasted just four days.

Park Street governor Laurie Jones, who is chairman of the PTA, said: "I am appalled that a democratic decision in a free vote taken by all councillors last Thurs-day has been overturned. This makes a mockery of democracy."

After the decision, the vicar of Abergavenny, the Rev Jeremy Winston, who is chairman of governors at Park Street Infants, said: "There can be very few things worse than raising people's hopes and then shattering them so callously and insensitively.

"Not only do I share the dismay of many governors and parents, but even after many years' experience in schools I stand amazed at the behaviour of people in this decision." He said governors and parents would fight the planned closure, which now goes out to further consultation.

He added: "We shall be concentrating our energies on lobbying the National Assembly and we hope, unlike many county councillors, that many of the Assembly Members will visit our school and see the excellent standards."

He paid tribute to fellow governor Councillor Alan Breeze "for his passionate support of our school".

After the decision Councillor Breeze said he was very sad because he was a former pupil at Park Street School, which now has 100 pupils.

The cabinet rejected the recommendation of the full council after advice from Phil Cooke, the director of lifelong learning, who said a new school on the Llwynu Infants School site would not be viable if both infants schools stayed open.

Assembly Rural Affairs Minister Mike German also slammed the decision. He said: "This flies in the face of democracy and common reason and, if implemented, will ultimately harm the education of local children. Parents and others should not give up."

PICTURED: Campaigners at the 106-upil Croesonen Infants School.