At a meeting in Haverfordwest which was lobbied by parents the council's cabinet members agreed to the closure plans recommended by officers.

The decision means Hermon, Crymych and Blaenffos primary schools will close and pupils will transfer to a single school at Crymych.

Council officers argued that a single area primary school would be more cost effective and provide better education standards for pupils than maintaining the status quo.

However, campaigners who last year staged a protest at the National Eisteddfod in St David's, say they will appeal to the Welsh Assembly Government to overturn the decision.

Chris Tomos has a son who is set to start at Hermon school in September.

"There is instantly a fundamental flaw in the proposal by the county council in that most parents will not support a big local area school," he said, ahead of Monday's meeting.

We have a limited resource to provide for all the pupils John Davies, Pembrokeshire Council

"There is considerable ownership of this village school and people are proud there are so many extra curricula activities going on here.

"There is a mother and toddler group and there is a strong nursery group so it is a really complete village complex."

According to council figures, Hermon has a capacity for 46 children although there are 52 pupils on the books.

The authority has sent a questionnaire to every parent as part of the consultation process.

But Mr Thomas said the community wanted to see money invested in Hermon so it could cope with demand rather then see it merged.

"I do not think we've had a fair hearing in this consultation process," he added.

"There is no argument for closing this vibrant village school."

'Educational opportunities'

Cabinet member for education John Davies said he was sympathetic to the parents' views.

However, he said it was a case of "building on the opportunity to provide better facilities".

"We have a limited resource to provide for all the pupils in Pembrokeshire and Hermon is so close to Crymych.

"It's only a three minute drive along a very safe and convenient road.

"The situation is quite clear in that it's in excess of its capacity and eventually the question will arise how we expand and invest in its future.

"We've looked at that in great detail and the answer at this present time is that Crymych presents better educational opportunities."