CAMPAIGNERS have been dealt a devastating blow with the news that education chiefs still plan to close a Kent primary school.

Due to too many surplus places in the district, Ripple School in Dover will close and South Deal primary school is set to merge with Mongeham primary school in September 2007.

However, there were celebrations at Goodnestone, Langdon and St Radigund's in Dover, along with Seal St Lawrence in Sevenoaks, which have all been reprieved.

Chairman of the governors at Ripple, Andy Roberts, said: "Three months campaigning has been ignored. This is a kick in the face."

The decisions were made after Kent County Council considered advice from the Schools Organisation Advisory Board (SOAB).

They voted unanimously to save Langdon, which has 54 pupils.

Head teacher Jon Fox said: "It’s fantastic. It’s down to the staff, parents, governors and children who pulled together with the community."

* For the full story and reaction to the news see this week's East Kent Mercury.