There were scenes of tears and anger this afternoon as Medway council decided to press ahead with plans to close St John's CE Infants School in Chatham.

It comes just when parents and staff thought they may have won an 11th hour reprieve after six Tory councillors referred the matter back to the council's policy-making cabinet.

But despite pleas that the school had made great strides in improving standards and won praise from Ofsted inspectors, it now looks almost certain to close along with Ridge Meadow, also in Chatham, as part of cost-cutting measures by education chiefs in Medway.

St Peter's Infant School in Rochester was saved after a vociferous campaign during an impassioned consultation period.

Tuesday's meeting at the St George’s Centre, in Pembroke Road, Chatham Maritime, sparked angry scenes with parents claiming councillors had ignored new evidence put forward. A police community support officer called for back-up as passions ran high.

Speaking after the meeting, head teacher Diana Keating, said: “We are disappointed, upset and angry because the children do not have a school to go to within walking distance, those are my immediate thoughts.

“The cabinet ignored that side of it. They also said there were places for them at schools in the area but I know for myself there are not, because I have made enquiries personally.

“They have chosen to close a school that has been open for 146 years.

“I feel so disappointed for them (the parents) because they just could not have done any more, they have pulled out all the stops.”

The school is due to hold a governors meeting tonight where members will be informed of the decision.

See Friday’s Medway Messenger for the full report.