EVERYONE affected by the proposed closure of Oakdale Comprehensive School will get the chance to voice their opinions, Caerphilly council said yesterday.

The authority said it will soon be undertaking a thorough consultation process to ensure everyone has a say about the proposed changes.

A spokesman said: "We will take on board the views of all concerned and we hope the whole community will take part in this important process."

The comments came after the Argus published a plea by one of the school's youngest pupils, that Oakdale Comprehensive should be saved.

Eleven-year-old Lauren Poole and her mother Shirley-Ann, both wrote open letters to Caerphilly council asking it to shelve the plans.

Mrs Poole said: "We will not let this school close without a fight. "It is thriving and has been turned around since Ian Kilcoyne took over as head teacher."

The consultation period with the council has already begun and will continue until the October half- term.

At a public meeting last week parents were urged to bombard the council's cabinet members with letters and e-mails of protest.

A meeting for pupils, staff, teachers and governors has been arranged for October 17 and a meeting for anyone in Islwyn affected by the proposal will be held on October 18.

Now the Conservative AM for South-East Wales, Laura Jones, has also added her voice of concern - and has sent a letter to education minister Jane Davidson and Caerphilly council's director of education.

She wrote: "Very little regard seems to have been paid to additional housing that has been built or is planned for the surrounding area.

"I understand that Oakdale is the fastest growing community in the whole of Caerphilly county borough. Surely a growing community suggests that there will be an increase in pupil numbers?"