Save Our Schools campaigners have just over two weeks to try to win a reprieve for three Bristol primaries.

Stockwood Green, St Pius X Catholic and St George's Church of England schools must persuade cabinet councillor Peter Hammond to change his mind before the end of the month.

He and his officers announced the closure proposals in May as part of Bristol City Council's review of its 110 primary sector schools

On Tuesday the full council voted to urge the cabinet to "actively consider alternatives" to shutting the three schools. Forty-four councillors were in favour with 23 abstentions and none against.

Leading Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors warned the minority Labour administration that it was in the "last chance saloon".

But Mr Hammond said he was not yet convinced by any of the options put forward, although he pledged: "I am, as always, open to listening to alternative proposals."

The cabinet must make a decision before the end of January, when it has to resubmit its bid for £12 million of Government money for primary school rebuilding. Its strategy was turned down by ministers in the autumn.

Lib Dem leader Councillor Barbara Janke said politicians of all parties must collaborate to find a solution, particularly in the light of the departure last week of the strategic director of children, young people and skills, Heather Tomlinson.

She said: "We need to give confidence to parents, heads, children and staff in the schools in this city."

Tory leader Councillor Richard Eddy said: "If we are going to convince the Government that we are a competent authority, we have to demonstrate that we can work together."

In a joint statement to councillors, the two main opposition parties put forward their ideas for the three schools.

● St George's C of E, Brandon Hill: Investigate further the refurbishment proposals for St George's and St Michael on the Mount C of E School, including looking at increasing the size of St George's to meet the demand for school places in the city centre;

● St Pius X Catholic Primary, Withywood: Work with the Clifton Catholic diocese on a clear plan for its south Bristol primaries that addresses surplus places;

● Stockwood Green: Work with local councillors, head teachers and governors of all three schools in Stockwood to reduce surplus places by a partnership or federation.

A cross-party working group, which met in December and again on Monday this week, will meet between January 21 and the cabinet meeting, which will be in the week beginning January 26.

Children, staff, parents and governors from St George's staged a demonstration outside the Council House as the full council was sitting.