BUILD a new school by all means. Bright children will do well at any school. But get rid of Coney Green and keep Radcliffe High. It is the better building and, with some maintenance, will out-last any school.

But above all, keep Mr Rollinson. He is the only headteacher willing and caring enough to help children improve who are not bright enough to do well at other schools. We need this school and we need Mr Rollinson.

The new school will not be big enough to hold all the children in ten years' time.

It is time the council listened to the people of Radcliffe, and gave Mr Rollinson and his staff the help they need as well as some appreciation for helping so many children that no-one else cares about.

Mr Rollinson instills discipline but also gives the pupils self-respect and pride in themselves, as well as the willingness to try, sometimes against the odds. He teaches them to care about one another and to help one another.

Some do reach the top because, with the right help, they can do well. But even the ones at the bottom know that they are not failures at this school. He finds out what they are good at and he works on that.

No amount of money can achieve what he and his staff achieve so the education department should get its priorities right. People come first. Our children are the future. Decent adults is what Mr Rollinson is trying to turn out.

I think the council should ask him to stay. Our children need him and this school. A lot of people in Radcliffe are behind him, so tell the council.

RADCLIFFE VOTER