A final call for Penarth residents to comment or object to the merger of Bute Cottage Nursery and Evenlode Primary School has been made by governors and politicians.

The council has now issued a statutory notice inviting any formal public objections to be made by March 16.

Both are due to merge in September and the decision has proved unpopular, with 71% of responses against the consultation when it was released last autumn.

But it appears the merger is still going ahead.

Richard Disley, chair of governors at Bute Cottage, said: "The governors at Bute Cottage were disappointed that the proposal has been moved to a statutory notice, as there remain a number of questions unanswered.

"We're frustrated that many issues raised by governors throughout the process remain unanswered.

He continued: "Public opinion is clearly against this proposal and it's disappointing that councillors are choosing to ignore the views of parents, pupils and local residents.

"We would urge everybody who wishes to keep Bute Cottage in its current form to object to the proposal through the Vale council's website."

He added governors were concerned about the loss of a dedicated headteacher, funding for nursery pupils, and how long the nursery staff will be kept on for at the school.

Some parents are concerned that the merger would eventually lead the nursery to relocate onto a single site with Evenlode Primary School. Although council bosses have claimed this won't happen — or said if it would happen, then a separate feasibility study would first be needed.

Council bosses have previously defended the merger, saying "a consultation is not a referendum" and the move would mean more continuity and less disruption for pupils moving from nursery to primary school.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "The proposals involve keeping Bute Cottage Nursery on its current site. There are no plans to relocate the school and existing teaching staff will remain in post.

"The amalgamation refers to the governance and leadership of the school. Such a move creates a more holistic educational journey for pupils, a smoother transition from nursery to primary provision and has proven successful in other school settings.

"The council has consulted widely on this matter and responded to points made by the community, including the Bute Cottage Nursery chair of governors, whether they were raised at one of two scrutiny meetings or during visits by council cabinet members and senior officers to the nursery itself.

"A copy of the consultation report is available on the council website, which sets out in detail the full extent of stakeholder engagement that has taken place."

All objections must be made in writing to Paula Ham, Director of Learning and Skills, The Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU