Plans to oppose the closure of Denbigh College are moving to the next level a week after a meeting described as “disappointing” by campaigners.

Vale of Clwyd representatives AM Ann Jones and MP Chris Ruane have pledged to keep pressure on Gr?p Llandrillo Menai (GLLM) to explore new strategies to keep the college open by appealing directly to the group’s board.

Despite overwhelming opposition to the proposal, a meeting last week failed to convince the principal of Coleg Llandrillo Lawrence Wood and chief executive of GLLM Dafydd Evans to halt the proposed closure.

A spokesperson for Mrs Jones said: “Ann Jones and Chris Ruane have met Dafydd Evans, chief executive officer of GLLM and the principal of the college.

“Both found the responses disappointing and are now seeking a meeting with the GLLM board.”

In particular, Mrs Jones and Mr Ruane have voiced concerns regarding the impact on the studies of the college’s 93 full-time students should they be required to travel to Rhyl or Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy to complete their courses.

The Free Press reported that the closure - which was recommended following a curriculum review which deemed the college is not cost effective - has caused more than 2000 students to voice opposition via student led petition.

However, momentum has slowed on the petition, with just 199 signatories adding their support in the seven days following the meeting on Monday, March 26.

In addition to Denbigh college, GLLM are also a partner in a second college in Denbigh, HWB Dinbych, which will still take on students for next academic year.

A spokesperson for GLLM responded: “We understand the community’s frustrations following GLLM’s difficult, but unavoidable, decision to close one of our two delivery sites at Denbigh.

"The challenges that led to this decision remain and therefore our priority continues to be to support staff and students through the transition phase.

“We have held several meetings with local representatives to explain our situation and all communication received from stakeholders including the community will be presented to GLLM’s Board of Governors at its next meeting on Thursday, April 19.”