ALONG with countless other parents, I heaved a sigh of relief to hear that Bolton Council has delayed making a decision on Working Party recommendations to close three schools, and force ill-considered mergers on others.

As a parent from Scot Lane End School, I have been both shocked and angered by the indecent haste in which this review process has been undertaken. Alternatives put forward by parents, governors and MPs appear to have been given scant attention, despite the insistence that closing schools would be the very last resort. I can only hope that this adjournment will be used effectively.

I fully appreciate the Council's concern to use taxpayers' money effectively. I hope their vigilance is equally prevalent in other matters within their control. I cannot believe, however, that to close a thriving, successful and over-subscribed school such as Scot Lane End is either sensible or cost effective. In our case, small means capability, not culpability. Please think again. The potential impact on our children is surely worth the extra time to weigh the alternatives.

I would like to congratulate the Bolton Evening News for its excellent coverage of this issue. This has been - and still is - a difficult time for parents, particularly in view of the Council's timing of the review around the main school holidays. The BEN's reports have been informative and supportive, offering a practical forum for both parents and Councillors to express their views. The BEN has been a valuable source of information and point of contact for parents and schools. I trust it will continue to be so until this matter is finally resolved - I hope both successfully and amicably for all concerned.

L Bailey (Mrs)

Buckthorn Close

Westhoughton

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