BOURNEMOUTH'S education chief has defended the likely closure of Townsend School, insisting: "Our first priority is the children."

In a video interview for the Daily Echo's website, Cllr Malcolm Davies justified the cabinet's controversial decision to press ahead with plans to close the school.

Campaigners had argued that discussion should be delayed until after the most recent Ofsted report is published.

But Cllr Davies, portfolio holder for education, said: "Even if they say there's improvements, it won't be saying the school is absolutely sound. You must remember that the Ofsted is only one of the reasons for closure."

He said other reasons included the exceptionally high cost of educating pupils at Townsend and the difficulties in attracting and retaining staff.

On Wednesday, Bournemouth Borough Council's cabinet voted to go ahead with closure and publish a statutory notice detailing the arrangements.

People have six weeks to make representations in support or opposition of the plan.

The issue has sparked angry criticism of Bournemouth's Conservative administration, which has been accused to destroying the Townsend community and ignoring the needs of residents.

But Cllr Davies said: "I hope that people do believe that we have listened because we have.

"The first priority is the children that live in that community.

"We want to deliver to them the best education that is available to them."

Watch the video on the Daily Echo's website.