HANDS off! That is the message from over 600 irate Amman Valley residents who have signed a petition to keep a special needs class open.

A dozen children with learning difficulties are being forced back into mainstream education because a lack of funding has forced the service to a halt.

Outraged parents have set up petitions to halt the closure of the class at Tairgwaith School, which looks set to leave 12 special needs pupils restricted to one-to-one attention "two or three times a week."

The move has been branded "totally unacceptable" by one mother, who says the move will have a huge impact on the lives of those affected.

"It is not going to do the children any good at all," said Katie Hill, 28, who has two children at the school.

"Children depend on stability and a move like this would be of no use to them.

"They were taken out of mainstream education because they were falling behind. But now, instead of constant one-to-one supervision it will only take place two or three times a week," she added.

"In no way is the school to blame for this, their hands are tied.

"It will affect not just pupils from Tairgwaith School, but pupils throughout the Amman Valley.

"The government should stop giving money to put monuments up in Ammanford and should instead fund vital services like a special needs class in Tairgwaith School."

Petitions have been put up in over a dozen stores and shops in the area, and support has flooded in beyond Mrs Hill's wildest dreams.

"We've had over 600 signatures already, it's absolutely fantastic," she said.

"Parents of children who used to be in the class have signed up and they've said how big a role it played in their child's life.

"That shows how important this is."

Gwenda Thomas AM was informed of the move last Friday and says she will now take up the fight for all concerned.

"One of my constituents contacted me last Friday evening expressing her concern regarding the proposal to end the work of the opportunities group class at Tai'rgwaith Primary School," she said.

"My staff began making prelimary enquiries on Tuesday, May 8, when my office opened after the Bank Holiday.

"I did meet with my constituent last night when it became clear to me that she is a very caring mother who is concerned about the special educational needs of her child.

"I will now be representing the views of my constituent in what we have agreed is the best way forward."