Police were called to a council meeting on Monday after protestors disrupted a debate over the closure of a number of Carmartheshire schools.

About 40 parents, children and Welsh language campaigners attended the demonstration at the county hall in Carmarthen - no-one was arrested.

Campaigners want schools to remain open

Despite a disturbance from the public gallery, councillors decided to begin a consultation process over the future of three small school in the area.

The schools involved are Cefnbrynbrain in the upper Swansea Valley, Cwmifor near Llandeilo and Llanddowror near St Clears.

The meeting was adjourned after members of the Welsh language pressure group, Cymdeithas yr Iaith, shouted from the public gallery.

Connie Thomas, a mother and former pupil at Cefnbrynrain, which has 32 pupils, said the school was a focal point in the community.

"The school is all we have left in the village," she said.

"We did have two shops but they will kill the village if they close the school."

Berwyn Harries, another parent added: "The school is the heart of the community and it's the last public building we have."

But Carmarthenshire council said the decision taken on Monday marked the beginning of a process aimed at improving standards.

Councillors took six minutes to reach their decision.

Mary Thomas, the council's executive board member for education, said: "We are looking for better schools.

Standards

"Some of our school buildings aren't in a good state of repair and have had very little spent on them.

"Small school aren't always able to deal with the National Curriculum to a high standard.

"The Welsh Assembly has told us our schools need to reach a certain standard by 2010.

"We have a long way to go in Carmarthenshire, that is why we are starting the process now."

In April, the local authority approved plans to close 10 rural primary schools despite fierce opposition from parents.