I AM a concerned and caring grandparent of two already in secondary education and two more about to make the transition from primary school in Burnley.

I am really struggling to get my head around the fact that, yet again, parents seem to be losing ground constantly when it comes to the most important issue of parenthood they will ever face.

I agree with Coun Malik that parents should have the right to make choices on behalf of their children. This man is a former experienced teacher who has dealt with the integration and teaching of pupils over many years. It would seem to me that this has also involved being informed by parents of their views over many years also!

The County Council say that it is being done in the best interests of integration? How they come to that amazing conclusion when by this very plan they will create an even bigger problem, with parents feeling resentful and alienated from decisions in their children's education, I fail to understand.

Why are people in positions of power still pushing the racial issue? The community is not naive enough to think it has gone away, but I feel that the people of Burnley are to be commended on the progress that has been made in this town since the so-called riots and we really don't need people who don't even reside in Burnley telling our parents what is best for their children.

It would seem to me that this has more to do with financial resources and the meeting of criteria for securing those resources than it has to do with what is best for our children of all backgrounds.

They say that only 400 forms were returned, not through lack of interest I feel, but more because most parents felt that the right plans would be drawn up to address the chaotic situation that exists in Burnley schools placements at present. I think that they will now get to know the true feelings of parents as they realise that once again they have little say in the most important part of their upbringing of their child, their education and future.

Headteachers in all secondary schools in Burnley can only be commended on the fact that they have kept a stable and calm environment for the children at school in light of the huge curriculum and placement problems they have faced for many years.

They have involved the parents every step of the way. Teachers are the ones that parents relate to when it comes to the education of their children, not those who walk the political corridors of power.

BARBARA BACON (Mrs), Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley.