Newport West AM Rosemary Butler has welcomed the decision by Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas to reject an application by a group of conservationists to list Bettws High School's current building.

The 20 Century Society had made a move to preserve the building , because they felt it was a good example of the Brutalist style of architecture.

But their attempts to persuade CADW to list the building were overruled by the Minister.

If the attempt had been successful, Newport City Council's plans to rebuild Bettws School, along with their plans for other schools, would have been seriously disrupted.

Local people were outraged by the London based conservation group's attempts.

Rosemary Butler said:

" I must say I am very relieved.It's a victory for common sense.The existing building was never appropriate for teaching and although the children of the area always did well, I am confident that once they get a new state of the art building they will really fly.

" I'm looking forward to the opening of the new school, now that this latest hurdle has been overcome."

Thursday March 20, 2008