Falling pupil numbers in Cardiff have prompted the review

There are 8,000 surplus places in secondary and primary schools, costing �3m a year, says Cardiff Council.

But it has been estimated that the number of surplus places will rise to almost one in three by 2016 in secondary schools alone.

The council is undertaking a review and will announce its findings in October.

One Labour councillor, Michael Michael, has claimed that up to 25 schools could close with others being amalgamated and catchment areas redefined. Headteachers fear up to 700 posts could be lost.

People are very worried and very angry about it all Councillor Ralph Cook

A review by the Liberal Democrat-led council's education and lifelong consultative group is considering the rising costs of surplus places as well as the schools repairs bill which currently stands at �50m and is expected to increase.

In October 2004, a report highlighted "high levels of under occupancy are notably in those schools serving the large urban estates and the inner city areas.

"At the same time some primary and secondary schools, more generally in more prosperous areas to the north of the city, are overcrowded and unable to offer pupils the same advantages as those with ample accommodation.

There are fears that 25 schools in the city could close

"Additionally, growth of population in development areas, such as that proposed in the north east of Cardiff will lead to demand for new schools in those areas."

There are currently 50,812 children taught at 135 schools across Cardiff, with surplus capacity at 8.4% in secondary schools and 21.8% in primary schools.

But pupil numbers are projected to fall to 45,000 by 2014, with estimates showing figures showing that the surplus places in the city will rise to 30% by 2016.

Headteachers have also sent a letter to the council raising their concerns at the possibility of schools closing.

Anger

Councillors throughout the city have said that parents are "very angry" about the proposals.

Trowbridge councillor Ralph Cook said: "There is a great deal of concern that schools are going to close and parents are not going to be able to send their children to the schools they want to send them to.

"People are very worried and very angry about it all."

His comments were echoed by Fairwater councillor Derek Rees: "There seems to be an assumption that birth rates will continue to fall over the next decade and therefore pupil numbers will fall.

"But you cannot accurately predict such matters and there is concern that permanent decisions to close schools will be made without proper consideration.

"People are concerned about these proposals," he added.

The findings of the review will be released in October when full details of any planned school closures will be announced.