PARENTS say their fight to save Lyndale will continue after a cabinet decision to close the school was upheld following a scrutiny committee call-in meeting.

Wirral council's co-ordinating committee heard arguments for and against closure from 15 witnesses during an emotionally-charged five-hour debate at Wallasey Town Hall on Thursday night. A short video about Lyndale was also shown.

But in the end, the committee's eight Labour councillors voted by eight votes to five in favour of a recommendation upholding the decision to close the school in January 2016. Pupils will be transferred to Elleray Park or Stanley schools.

The council’s ruling cabinet unanimously voted to close Lyndale School, in Eastham, during a special meeting on September.

The decision, which followed a consultation exercise, left many in tears. Parents say their views had been ignored and have lost faith in the democratic process.

Among them is Chrissie Woodland, whose son Alex has a rare undiagnosed condition and attends the school.

She told the Globe after last night's meeting: "The fight to save Lyndale isn't over. We're not going to back down.

"We've got to carry on fighting. The education and welfare of our children is so important."

Addressing the committee, teaching assistant Nicola Kenny said: "This has been an incredibly tough and challenging time for the school. The children have, and always do, come first.

"Our parents and staff have suffered from the angst caused by this council for the last 10 months. It's been a long and emotionally-draining time.

Quoting Hollywood star Morgan Freeman, Nicola ended: "Attacking people with disabilities is the lowest display of power."

Parent Governor Emma Leadbetter told councillors: "We feel like we have really lost faith in the democratic process and have not been listened to.

"We are angry and frustrated about the process.

"The local authority conducted a consultation process but did not listen to any views apart from their own."

The council says falling numbers mean the school, which has 23 pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, would not be financially viable or able to meet educational needs in the future.

Wallasey Conservative councillor Paul Hayes used the "call-in" procedure which forces the council to review key decisions, and the form was signed by 27 councillors.

He told the meeting: "Lyndale is not just a primary school, it is a loving and caring environment for children dealing with profound and multiple learning difficulties."

But parents fear their children’s needs would not be met at any other school and any move would destroy the special relationships built up between pupils and staff.

Addressing the committee parent governor Zoe Anderson said: "Our children have complex needs, the highest needs. Neither school suggested by the council is appropriate and could provide the care needed for our children."

Council leader and cabinet  Phil Davies said: "I'm sorry that parents don't feel they were listened to following the consultation. I certainly listened.

"I did keep an open mind throughout the process and did not make any comments until we saw the outcome of the consultation.

"I can give categoric assurance that the decision was not pre-determined.

"I believe, on the basis of evidence we had from the consultation, that we had enough information to make a decision for the school's closure.

"I'm also clear that at no point was there a pre-determined view going to that meeting on September 4."